o 


Dramatic  Fantasy 

by 
ISAAC  FLAGG 

o 


With  a  Frontispiece 

by 
Bernard  Maybeck 


Copyright 

1915 
By  Isaac  Flagg 

Acting  Rights  Reserved 


To 
MABEL  LAMME  HAYS 

Rarest  of  enchantment  deem 
The  beginning  and  the  end : 

At  life's  morning  in  the  dream. 
At  life's  evening  in  the  friend. 


S28309 


PRINTED  AND  BOUND  BY 
THE  BOYCROFTEB8 
EAST  AURORA,  NEW  YORK 


THE  ARGUMENT 


OMER  relates  that  Ulysses,  king  of 
Ithaca  in  Greece,  sailing  homeward  after 
the  capture  of  Troy,  drifted  into  unknown 
seas  in  consequence  of  the  wrath  of 
Neptune ;  and  after  losing  all  but  one 
of  his  twelve  ships,  landed  with  the  sole 
remaining  vessel  upon  the  island  of  the 
enchantress  Circe,  who  transformed  one-half  of  his  ship's 
company,  twenty-two  in  number,  into  swine.  He  relates 
further  that  Ulysses,  apprised  by  Mercury  of  the  fate  of  his 
companions,  and  furnished  by  the  god  with  an  antidote  for 
the  spells  of  the  sorceress,  compelled  her  to  restore  his  men 
to  their  human  shape.  Thereupon,  at  the  invitation  of  Circe 
the  rest  of  the  crew  join  their  mates  at  her  palace,  where  all 
spend  a  year  in  festivity  and  merry-making  before  pro 
ceeding  on  their  way  with  precise  instructions  from  the 
Enchantress  regarding  the  homeward  voyage. 
The  experiences  of  Ulysses  and  his  followers,  as  described  in 
the  Odyssey,  immediately  previous  to  their  arrival  at  the 
Isle  of  Circe,  had  been  of  an  extraordinary  and  alarming 
character.  A  number  of  men  had  been  devoured  by  Poly 
phemus  the  Cyclops  in  his  cave,  where  he  had  entrapped  a 
party,  the  survivors  escaping  by  riding  out,  clasped  under 
the  bellies  of  his  sheep,  after  they  had  made  the  monster 
drunk  and  blinded  his  one  eye  with  a  fiery  stake.  Later, 
they  came  to  the  domain  of  ^Eolus,  king  of  the  winds,  who 


presented  Ulysses  with  a  number  of  bags  holding  the  adverse 
winds  in  confinement.  But  during  the  sleep  of  their  com 
mander,  when  already  near  their  native  shore,  some  of  the 
men  through  curiosity  untying  the  bags,  the  winds  broke 
loose  and  swept  them  back  to  JSolus,  who  drove  them  all 
forth  with  contempt.  They  next  encountered  the  Laestry- 
gones,  a  race  of  man-eating  giants.  Being  shown  the  way  to 
the  town  by  a  daughter  of  the  giant  king,  some  men  were 
seized  and  devoured  on  the  spot ;  while  from  an  attack 
made  upon  the  ships  collected  in  the  harbor  only  one  vessel 
succeeded  in  escaping. 

No  mention  is  made  of  Penelope,  the  wife  of  Ulysses,  at  any 
point  in  the  story  of  Circe  ;  but  we  read  that  Ulysses  lingered 
in  the  enchanted  island,  until  his  men  were  finally  compelled, 
seizing  an  opportunity  when  Circe  was  away,  to  remonstrate 
with  their  chief  and  rouse  him  to  thoughts  of  a  return  to  his 
home. 

Homer  says  that  the  attendants  of  the  Enchantress  in  her 
palace  were  nymphs,  such  as  derive  their  being  from  the 
fountains,  the  groves,  and  the  rivers  flowing  to  the  sea. 

The  First  Act  of  the  play  brings  Ulysses  and  his  companions 
into  Circe's  palace;  the  Second  Act  takes  them  out  of  it. 


CIRCE 


Dramatic  Fantasy 


PERSONS  REPRESENTED 

CIRCE,  the  Enchantress 

PHILINNA    ^   XT        , 

,,,  Nymphs,    companions   and   attend- 

THERMIA      r      .        A- 

-,  ants  to  Circe 

MYRTO 

THRATTIS,  the  lute-girl 

GRAEA,  the  dumb  swine-maiden 

Other  nymphs  attending  Circe 

MIKKOS,  an  ape 

ULYSSES,  a  Commander 

EURYLOCHUS,  his  mate 

THERON,  the  ship's  cook 

ELPENOR,    a    feeble-minded    youth,    the    cook's 

assistant 
GLAUCUS     ^ 

PHORBAS         ~  ., 
T,  >  Sailors 

PHILEMON 

XENIAS 

Other  members  of  Ulysses'  ship's-company 
MERCURY,  Messenger  of  the  Immortals  and  Luck- 
bringer  to  men 

THE  PLACE  :  A  small  woody  island,  inhabited  only  by  the 
Enchantress  and  her  Nymphs,  who  dwell  in  a  palace  at  the 
centre  and  summit  of  the  isle. 

[5] 


ONE 


PRELIMINARY  scene  of  mute  action. 
The  front  of  CIRCE'S  palace  at  the  hour 
just  after  sunset.  The  edifice  is  of  vari 
ously  tinted  stone,  a  combination  of 
several  architectural  masses.  The  win 
dows  of  the  building  are  tall  and  very 
narrow,  overshadowed  with  creeping 
plants.  Its  main  entrance,  at  the  Left  of  the  Centre,  is  from 
a  massive  porch  with  gargoyles  of  serpents  at  the  corners  of 
its  roof.  The  porch  is  reached  by  a  flight  of  wide,  low  steps  ; 
the  doorway  itself,  low  and  wide,  deeply  receding  and  dark 
ened  by  the  ample  foliage  of  overhanging  vines.  The  palace 
faces  eastward  upon  a  smooth  open  court-yard  enclosed  by 
a  wall  of  stone  with  spacious  gateway  at  the  Right.  The 
entrance  to  the  court  at  the  Left  corner  of  the  building  is 
inconspicuous.  At  the  main  gateway  there  is  artificial  repre 
sentation  of  wolves  and  leopards  as  if  tame  and  serving  as 
watchdogs.  Behind  the  court-yard  wall  rise  large  trees  throw 
ing  deep  shadows  in  the  twilight.  A  fountain,  dragon-shaped, 
with  circular  basin,  is  centrally  placed  in  the  court,  that  is 
just  at  the  Right  of  the  porch  steps. 

As  the  curtain  rises,  a  humming  sound  as   of   a   swiftly 
turned   spinning-wheel   is   heard   behind   the   scenes ;   and 

[6] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


presently  the  music  of  CIRCE'S  song  (the  words  of  which  are 
sung  in  a  later  Scene)  is  played  upon  flute  and  violin.  The 
fountain  is  playing,  and  its  spray,  rising  and  falling  inter 
mittently,  gleams  with  a  golden  light,  occasionally  changing 
to  a  faint  blue,  and  then  becoming  golden  again.  Some  of  the 
serpentine  gargoyles  are  seen  to  sway  and  writhe  like  living 
snakes.  A  large  ape  emerges  from  a  small  window  above  the 
porch,  stands  upon  its  roof  at  first  erect  like  a  man,  then 
poses  upon  all  fours  at  the  edge,  trying  to  look  underneath 
into  the  doorway,  and  remains  in  this  position.  A  glimpse 
also  is  caught  of  the  Swine-maiden,  a  tall,  gaunt,  witch-like 
figure  robed  in  gray,  trailing  behind  her  a  very  long  cowhide 
whip.  Appearing  suddenly  from  some  place  of  concealment 
she  passes  furtively  and  silently,  with  long  strides,  across 
the  Left  corner  and  disappears  behind  the  palace. 

II 

Interior.  The  banquet-hall  of  CIRCE'S  palace.  A  long,  low 
apartment,  clearly  but  not  brilliantly  illuminated  by  torch- 
wood  burning  upon  cressets  in  the  rear,  Right  and  Left.  The 
walls  and  ceiling  of  the  room  are  of  neutral  tint,  light  shades, 
but  nowhere  white ;  the  decorations,  of  simple  Grecian  type. 
Two  wide  entrances  at  the  rear  afford  glimpses  of  a  back 
corridor  dimly  lighted  ;  between  these  doors  a  large  spinning- 
wheel  of  fantastic  pattern  stands  near  the  wall.  On  the 
Right  a  curtained  opening  leads  to  the  boudoir  of  CIRCE  ; 
and  another  door  is  situated  further  back  on  this  side.  On 
the  Left,  directly  opposite  the  boudoir,  is  an  entrance  from 
an  alcove  or  passage-way  communicating  with  the  porch ; 

[7] 


CIRCE 


in  front  of  it  a  dais  or  platform,  raised  one  step  higher  than 
the  floor  of  the  apartment.  Near  another  door  far  back  on 
the  Left  stands  a  large  sideboard  or  buffet  showing  the  usual 
garniture.  Between  the  boudoir  and  the  dais,  thus  centrally 
placed  but  a  little  forward,  are  two  large,  low  tables  nearly 
square,  standing  end  to  end,  but  far  enough  apart  to  allow 
free  passage  between  them,  and  showing  clearly  the  spinning- 
wheel  behind.  Three  tall  armchairs  or  thrones  stand,  one  at 
the  end  of  the  table  on  the  Left,  in  front  of  the  dais  ;  another 
at  the  opposite  end  of  the  other  table,  by  the  entrance  of  the 
boudoir ;  the  third  at  the  left  hand  of  the  second  throne, 
behind  the  table.  There  are  numerous  other  small  Greek 
chairs  without  backs.  Each  table  is  spread  with  a  light 
brown  cloth.  Upon  the  table  at  the  Right  are  several  pieces 
of  plate  and  a  low  spreading  vase  of  flowers  near  its  centre ; 
a  flagon  and  goblets  upon  the  other  table.  As  the  curtain  rises 
the  music  ceases,  but  the  humming  of  the  wheel  is  continued. 
CIRCE  is  seen  seated  upon  the  throne  at  the  head  of  the  table 
by  her  boudoir.  Her  slender  golden  wand  is  carelessly  thrown 
upon  the  table  before  her.  Her  black  robe  she  has  pushed 
away  from  her  shoulders  over  the  back  of  her  chair  ;  but  she 
wears  her  coronal  of  pearls  confining  massy  black  hair,  with 
long,  light,  pearly  veil  depending  from  the  diadem  behind. 
Her  tunic  is  of  canary-colored  silk  ;  she  wears  crimson  sandals, 
and  a  golden  serpent  bracelet  encircles  her  left  wrist. 
PHILINNA,  a  blonde,  of  beauty  comparable  to  that  of  CIRCE 
herself,  but  of  the  opposite  type,  in  dress  and  in  all  other 
respects  forming  a  contrast  to  the  Enchantress,  stands  behind 
the  throne  at  her  mistress'  left  hand. 

[8] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


The  place  of  THERMIA,  a  nymph  of  elegant  figure  and  win 
some  expression,  is  behind  the  table  on  the  Left,  near  the 
throne  at  its  head  by  the  dais. 

MYBTO,  who  has  dark  hair  like  CIRCE,  but  is  of  small  stature 
and  not  marked  by  especial  beauty,  sits  facing  the  Enchant 
ress  by  the  spinning-wheel,  which,  as  she  swiftly  turns  it, 
gives  forth  the  melodious  hum  that  fills  the  air  when  the 
curtain  rises. 

The  predominant  color  of  PHILINNA'S  dress  is  mauve ;  of 
THERMIA'S,  azure ;  of  MYRTO'S,  dark  green.  Other  nymphs 
are  drest  in  light  gauzy  material,  never  pure  white.  All  wear 
Grecian  costume. 

As  CIRCE  turns  toward  her  with  a  slight  gesture, 
MYRTO  stops  the  wheel. 

CIRCE 

Hush,  Myrto  ;  prithee  stay 
Thy  busy  wheel  awhile ;  I  fain  would  listen 
To  the  mere  silence — if  that  be  silence,  when 
Naught    save    the    light-wing'd    evening    zephyr 

breathes 

His  soft  sea-voices  through  the  piny  boughs 
And  the  broad  vine-leaf  tinkles  at  the  porch. 
No  footfalls  patter  now ;  our  thirsty  questioners, 
After  the  sunset  shadow  falls,  come  not. 
Truly  't  were  vain,  save  by  the  day's  bright  beam, 
To  seek  my  mansion  on  this  bowery  summit 

[9] 


CIRCE 


Through  tangled  briery  paths  and  copse- wood  dim— 
For  the  first  time. 

PHILINNA 

Thou  knowest  well,  dear  lady, 
No  second  coming,  save  in  four-footed  guise, 
Thy  hand  vouchsafes  them. 

CIRCE 

Ay,  not  twice  the  cup 

For  the  same  drinker  need  we  pour. — And,  Myrto, 
Remembered'st  thou  to  cull  the  herbs  I  named, 
Wolf's-bane  and  hemlock  and  the  rest  ? 

MYRTO 

Yes,  lady. 

CIRCE 
And  stored  and  sorted  all? 

MYRTO 

By  the  full  moon 

Each  kind  I  pluck'd ;  then,  crosswise  laid,  I  dried 
them 

[10] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


On  the  black  adder-stone  what  hour  no  cloud 
The  noonday  welkin  streak'd. 

CIRCE 

'T  is  well.  Right  soon 
I  shall  bruise  more  and  brew  their  potions. 

[After  a  brief  pause]  Ah  ! 

Myrto  ;  hast  thou  aught  seen  this  season  yet 
Of  moly  plant? 

MYRTO 

No  sprig,  since  we  dug  forth 
Those  three  and  to  their  root  put  fire. 

PHILINNA 

O  Circe, 

What  mortal  can  know  moly?  or,  if  found, 
Might  guess  that  straightening  salutary  force 
Which  its  pale  blossom  suckles? 

CIRCE 

Little  indeed 
Know  they  or  seem  to  reck,  who  find  my  door, 

[ii] 


a  CIRCE 


By  the  four  winds  or  vague  desire  impell'd. 
Not  of  the  herbs  alone,  wherewith  I  work 
Transforming  magic,  and  of  their  antidotes 
Is  saving  knowledge  to  human  sense  denied  ; 
But  the  mere  man  in  equal  measure  lacks 
Perception  of  all  that  inner  occult  domain 
Which  on  my  mystic  vision  rises  clear 
And  blends  harmonious  with  material  scenes. 
Therefore,  what  mortals  know  I  know  more  surely, 
Crowning  their  wisdom  with  profounder  lore. 
How  oft  do  they  who  come,  while  at  this  board 
They  swill  and  gloat,  ere  yet  the  damning  cup 
I  proffer,  boast  large  deeds  and  prate  of  what 
They  call  experience — in  the  same  breath  imploring 
Guidance,  which  I  with  gracious  hand  might  lend, 
Seem'd  they  but  worthy.  [PHILINNA  nods   assent.] 

THERMIA 

Stands  some  one,  Circe, 
At  the  porch  door. 

CIRCE 

Throw  open ;  no  mortal  visitor 
Descends  so  deftly  on  us. 

[12] 


THE     FIRST    ACT 


[The  door  at  the  Left  is  opened  by  THERMIA,  showing 
a  golden-gleaming  light  in  the  passage-way  behind 
it.  Immediately  MERCURY  enters,  standing  as  he 
first  speaks  upon  the  dais.  His  winged  serpent- 
twined  wand  is  brilliant  with  inlaid  mother-of-pearl. 
Dewdrops  glisten  upon  the  wings  of  his  cap  and 
sandals.  The  mutual  demeanor  of  MERCURY  and 
CIRCE  is  friendly,  but  not  familiar.  Neither  makes 
show  of  deference  toward  the  other.  MERCURY  does 
not  remove  his  cap.  He  takes  no  notice  whatever  of 
the  nymphs.] 

MERCURY 

All-potent  Circe, 
Hail! 

CIRCE 

Hail  to  thee,  sir  messenger  !  Be  welcome ; 
Tarry  and  taste  our  cheer. 

[MERCURY  seats  himself  upon  the  throne  at  the  head 
of  the  table  near  which  he  stands.  THERMIA  takes  his 
wand  and  lays  it  upon  the  table.] 

CIRCE 

The  nectar,  Thermia. 

[131 


CIRCE 


[THERMIA  serves  him  from  the  sideboard  and  remains 
standing  in  attendance.] 

Bring'st  from  the  Olympian  conclave,  Mercury, 
Tidings  to  us? 

MERCURY 

Nay,  nay  ;  I  do  but  pause 
On  my  mid-errand's  flight  a  restful  moment 
At  thy  fair  island-dome.  Weary  sometime 
Falls  even  the  airy  stride  of  winged  feet, 
When  at  a  stern  omnipotent  behest 
They  spurn  the  mountain's  serried  brow,  plunge 

down, 

Skimming  innumerable  waves,  and  ride 
From  land  to  land  the  brindled  ocean's  back. 
But,  Mistress  Circe,  this  enchanted  isle, 
Topp'd  by  thy  mansion,  doth  like  a  stepping-stone 
Betwixt  the  shores  of  dawn  and  vesper  lie, 
At  the  convergent  centre  of  all  streams. 
What  roving  bark  shall  miss  it? 

CIRCE 

Sooner  or  later 

'T  is  true  each  wanderer  this  way  passes  ;  nor, 
Our  gate  once  spied  and  hospitable  song 
Heard  trilling,  turns  he  back. 

[14] 


THE     FIRST     ACT      Q 

MERCURY 

I  am  reminded, 

Whereof  I  once  made  mention,  again  to  speak. 
Fail  not  to  pour  thy  strongest  draught,  fair  Circe, 
When  sage  Ulysses  heeds  the  languorous  strain. 

CIRCE 

So  said'st  thou  ;  I  recall  it.  And  some  potions 
Do  stronger  flow  an  hundred-fold  than  others. 

MERCURY 

Even  so  one  human  counsel  another  o'er-tops 
By  infinite  measure. — But  't  is  time  to  speed 
And  set  a  finish  on  this  world-spanning  errand. 

[THERMIA  hands  MERCURY  his  wand  as  he  rises 
from  the  throne  and  steps  upon  the  dais.] 

Now  for  the  star-strewn  roadways  of  the  sky, 
By  the  dun  cloud-edge,  where  fork'd  lightnings  fly. 
Farewell ! 

CIRCE 
Farewell,  sir  messenger  !  [Exit  MERCURY.] 

PHILINNA 

[After  a  pause]  Dear  lady  Circe, 
Wherefore  for  us  at  eve  dost  thou  ne'er  lift 

[15] 


CIRCE 


Thy  voice  in  sweetest  song,  like  that  whose  spell 
Binds  the  doom'd  callers  at  the  moaning  porch? 
So  might  we  taste  the  charm  and  spare  the  bane. 

CIRCE 
O  sit,  Philinna,  and  mark  you  ! 

[PHILINNA  seats  herself  in  the  throne  near  CIRCE. 
At  the  same  time  THERMIA  takes  her  seat  upon  one 
of  the  chairs  at  the  other  table,  resting  her  left  arm 
on  the  table.] 

CIRCE 

'T  is  not  at  will  those  tuneful  notes  upwelling 

Burst  from  this  bosom's  prison,  when  once  the  joy 

Of  fierce  enslaving  mastery  sets  them  free. 

I  see  not  his  approach  who  draweth  nigh, 

Like  the  limed  bird  in  cruel  toils  to  stick, 

And  whom  the  poison'd  chalice  straight  transforms 

To  brutal  shape  : — I  do  not  see  them  come  ; 

But  by  a  sudden  thrill  inspired  to  sing, 

With  a  strange  consciousness  of  quicken'd  power, 

Then  know  I,  and  need  not  look. — Hath  e'er  one 

song 
Fail'd  of  response,  Philinna? 

[16] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


THERMIA 

Not  one ;  O,  never  ! 

MYRTO 
How  could  it  otherwise  befall? 

CIRCE 

There  be 

Others  in  whom  by  native  hap  are  planted 
Some  powers  of  vulgar  sorcery  :  whom  it  profits 
On  magic  wheel  to  lash  the  skewer'd  wryneck ; 
Who  their  unlovely  droning  measures  vaunt 
To  burst  the  clammy  serpent  in  the  mead, 
Or  from  her  seat  pull  down  the  horned  moon. 
But  to  their  sordid  craft  my  arts  compare 
As  sunbeams  to  a  sputtering  pitchy  torch. 
When  we  the  human  prowler  quell  and  tame, 
We  work  illumination  ! 

PHILINNA 

Yet  sometimes 

They  shine  with  princely  mien.  Even  as  Mercury 
In  face  and  stature  were  those  two  comely  youths 
Thou  once  didst  change  to  wolves. 

[17] 


CIRCE 


CIRCE 

'T  was  their  true  shape  ! 

The  godlike  figure  hath  to  mankind  been  lent, 
Which  they  abuse  to  cloak  an  inner  core 
Of  bestial  motive.  Therefore  it  is  to  scatter 
Light  over  darkness,  when  my  cunning  drugs 
Make  the  shell  match  the  kernel.  No  longer  then, 
Once  the  true  emblem  on  his  visage  stamp'd, 
Doth  the  pretender  with  mock  daring  flourish  : 
Unmask'd,    he    slinks    and    cowers. — The    most, 

indeed, 

Are  of  mere  swinish  habit ;  and  for  them 
The  pointed  snout  suffices  and  rough  hide. 
But  some — [With  mock  seriousness]  Thou  dream'st 

not,  sweet  Philinna, 

How  cruelly  those  same  youths,  but  for  my  spell, 
Had  rent  us  both  ! 

MYRTO 

[Gravely]  Ay,  true ;  didst  thou  not  mark, 
Philinna,  what  hungry  looks  they  bent  upon 
The  lady  Circe,  even  while  they  drank?  'T  was  not 
The  fragrant  wine-cup  drew  them,  but  o'er  its  rim 
Her  neck  they  scann'd  and  watch 'd  the  hand  and 
arm 

[18] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


That  reach'd  the  potion.  So  had  they  gazed  on  thee, 
If  Circe  sat  not  by. 

PHILINNA 

Ah,  Myrto ;  how 

Could  I  the  right  herb  choose  and  guide  the  beaker? 
Or  wield  the  magic  wand  ! 

THERMIA 
[Holding  up  her  hands]  O  simple,  simple  ! 

CIRCE 

[Warmly]   Thy   beauty   and    my   love    for   thee, 

Philinna, 

Are  of  a  piece ;  both  do  transcend  the  limit 
Of  usual  quality.  For,  without  thee,  I 
Should  seem  to  hover  in  a  stale  vacant  world  ; 
Whilst  thou,  arm'd  with  no  wand  or  secret  drug, 
Unconscious  and  unskill'd,  canst  oft  divert 
The  most  admiring,  ardent,  rapt  regards 
Away  from  the  famed  Circe — deem'd  forsooth 
To  win  by  her  sheer  woman's  charm  not  less 
Than  by  shrewd  arts.  It  is  perchance  the  reason 
Why  thou  art  dear,  because  no  studied  guile 

[19] 


CIRCE 


Can  in  thy  breast  find  lodgement.  Oft  we  crave 
That  in  a  friend  which  our  own  temper  lacks  ; 
And  the  two  mingle  to  a  more  perfect  being 
Than  either  by  itself. 

[Laying  her  left  hand  upon  PHILINNA'S  right  arm] 

'T  is  pure  simplicity 
Framed  as  a  smiling  goddess  at  my  elbow. 

MYRTO 
[Gravely]  Dear  lady  Circe,  may  the  gods  preserve 

her, 

Shouldst  thou  in  turn  e'er  fail  at  her  right  hand 
To  sit  with  guardian  thoughts. 

THERMIA 

Nay,  Myrto ! 

Stand  we  not  all  in  like  need  of  that  shelter 
And  sweet  assurement  which  no  other  hand 
Than  Circe's  can  dispense?  'T  is  the  good  spell 
Her  bright  superior  spirit  weaves  round  us,  lends 
Fragrance  and  bloom  to  our  sequester 'd  lives. 
What,  but  for  that  enrichment,  would  import 
Fair  skies  and  shady  bowers? — But  these  mock 
dangers 

[20] 


THE     FIRST    ACT 


Are  but  the  flounce  and  garnish  of  our  pastime. 
Your  mighty  men  I  find  more  vain  than  valiant. 
Didst  thou  fear  Mikkos,  Myrto,  in  his  former, 
Native  habiliment? 

MYRTO 
[Laughing]  O  Thermia,  he  was  terrible  ! 

THERMIA 

And  that  sleek  scrivener,  who  serves  now  as  one 
Of  our  gate  leopards — was  it  a  peril  when  he, 
Before  his  lips  touch'd  the  transforming  potion, 
Offer 'd  me  marriage? 

PHILINNA 
But  what  is  marriage,  Thermia? 

THERMIA 

It  is  as  if  a  clever  craftsman  built 
A  cage  round  Circe  and  yourself,  then  lock'd 
Its  door  upon  you  both  and  flung  the  key 
Under  the  fountain. 

PHILINNA  it] 

[Springing  from  her  chair  and  drawing  back  behind 

[211 


C3  CIRCE 


Holy  Diana  ! 

I  should  break  out  and  fly  like  Circe's  peacock 
Into  the  beech-tree  by  the  spring. 

CIRCE 

[Laughing]  O  children,  children  ! 
How  will  ye  all  most  learnedly  discourse, 
Where  ye  know  least?  There  lurks  indeed  small 

peril 

To  your  fair  persons,  but  the  danger  hits 
Your  unsophisticated  silly  souls. 
Some  men  there  be,  whose  fervid,  flattering  words 
Would  fluster  and  bedazzle  you,  till  all 
This  tranquil  sweet  companionship  should  vanish, 
As  the  light  puffy  thistle-down  dispell'd, 
Leaving  a  weary  lone  unrest  behind  it. 
It  is  my  swift  preventing  magic  catches 
And  tangles  their  approach.  We  are  too  quick 
For  them  ;  nor  shall  they  soon  outspeed  us. — Yet 
My  brother,  the  great  magician,  told  me  once, 
That  if  a  drug  e'er  fail'd  me  and  work'd  not 
For  any  cause  its  proper  due  effects, 
Then  we  stood  liable  to  some  counter-spell 
Of  similar  assignment.  And  he  cited 
My  cousin  Medea's  strange  unhappy  story. 

[22] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


[To  PHILINNA,  playfully]  So  ; 
When  the  poor  Circe  faints,  Philinna,  thou 
Wouldst  fly  off  and  desert  her? 

PHILINNA 

O  no  !  not 
Without  the  cage. 

CIRCE 

[Laughing]  No  ;  I  am  sure 
Whate'er  befalls,  Philinna  will  be  faithful. 

THERMIA 
[Seriously]  She  will  indeed,  my  lady  ! 

CIRCE 

Of  faith  and  love  there  is  no  dearth  among  us, 
Though  scant  occasion  offer  which  might  put 
A  true  friend's  temper  to  the  test.  For  here 
The  spirit  of  petty  jangling  sits  aloof 
And  common  pastime  smooths  the  tripping  hours. 
Its  spice  is  in  the  hazard.  It  were  indeed 
A  dull  domain  on  Circe's  isle,  flow'd  not 
The  petulant  human  throng  up  to  our  door. 
For  fail'd  we  to  suppress  them,  we  ourselves 
Might  share  that  wearisome  slow  life  which  men 

[231 


CIRCE 


Owe  to  their  fleeting,  vain,  unsteady  loves. 
O  verily  they  should  thank  us  ! 

[CiRCE  leans  back  in  her  chair,  playing  with  the  wand 
that  lies  on  the  table.  Then  straightening  up  and 
looking  across  the  room  she  claps  her  hands  twice. 
Directly  the  lute-girl  THRATTIS  enters  at  the  Left 
corner.  She  stands  leaning  against  the  sideboard  and 
strikes  chords  upon  her  instrument  as  prelude.] 

MYRTO 
O  Circe,  may  Mikkos  dance  to-night? 

CIRCE 
Yes,  child. — Poor  Mikkos  !  His  dancing  days  were 

over 

When  first  he  sought  us  and  became  our  patient. 
Now  they  begin  anew. 

[She  signs  to  THRATTIS,  who  begins  a  dancing  tune. 
Other  music  is  heard  in  accord  with  the  lute.  PHI- 
LINNA  and  THERMIA  dance,  not  as  partners,  but 
singly,  with  Grecian  or  Turkish  movement,  passing 
round  alternately  between  the  tables  and  in  front  and 
behind  them.  CIRCE  leans  back  and  looks  on  with 
evident  pleasure,  beating  time  informally  with  her 

[241 


Q      THE     FIRST     ACT      Q 

wand.  Immediately  when  the  dancing  begins,  MYRTO 
runs  out  at  the  Right  centre  for  Mikkos ;  but  at  the 
same  time  Mikkos  darts  in  at  the  Left  centre,  drops 
into  MYRTO'S  seat,  and  begins  to  turn  her  wheel. 
The  ape  wears  a  handsome  collar  with  about  four 
feet  of  light  brass  chain  hanging  from  it.  MYRTO 
follows  laughing,  seizes  the  chain,  and  pulling 
Mikkos  to  his  feet  the  girl  and  the  ape  dance,  con 
fining  themselves  to  the  back  part  of  the  room.  MYRTO'S 
dancing  is  similar  to  that  of  the  other  two  nymphs, 
except  that  she  does  not  display  the  same  arm  move 
ments.  Mikkos  dances  only  as  an  ordinary  trained 
simian  might  succeed  in  doing.  Next,  GRAEA  the 
swine-maiden  enters  at  the  Right  centre  and  joins  in 
the  performance.  Her  dancing,  which  she  confines  to 
the  corner  of  the  room  opposite  THRATTIS,  consists  in 
snaky,  gyratory  movements,  stooping  and  with  long 
steps  trailing  her  great  whip  slowly  in  circles  upon 
the  floor. — Presently  CIRCE,  drawing  her  black  robe 
over  her  shoulders,  still  holding  the  wand,  rises  from 
her  throne.  The  music  ceases.  THRATTIS,  Mikkos, 
and  GRAEA  disappear,  and  the  three  nymphs  come 
to  a  standstill  at  about  their  usual  places  in  the  room . 


CIRCE 


CIRCE 
[To  her  nymphs]  Thus  merry  our  lives,  through  the 

whole  endless  round 

Of  blithe  days  and  the  placid  restful  nights 
That  top  their  radiance.  How  ye  are  blest,  forsooth 
Ye  cannot  know,  because  that  bliss  transcends 
All  ken  and  inquisition.  It  is  some  part 
Of  the  vast  natural  world  instill'd  and  moulded 
In  your  fair  forms  divine,  whereto  small  fleck 
Of  human  taint  hath  fallen  ;  but  an  ethereal 
Kinship  of  cloud  and  fountain  and  wild  wood 
Thrills  the  translucent  ichor  in  your  veins. 
O  sweet  immortal  sisterhood  ! 

THERMIA 

A  mighty  willow  guards  the  meadow's  brink, 
Where  daisies  shine  and  finches  pause  to  drink  : 
Each  year  its  lissome  branches  droop  anew, 
And  on  the  straightest,  smoothest  shoot  I  grew. 

MYRTO 

Deep  in  the  forest  shade  black  water  ran  : 
Beneath  its  tide  my  babyhood  began  ; 
And  while  for  strength  these  tiny  knees  did  lack, 
A  bullfrog  bore  me  on  his  bright  green  back. 

[26] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


PHILINNA 

Down  a  sheer  sunny  cliff  wild  waters  whirl 
In  tinted  gleams  of  amethyst  and  pearl : 
And  where  that  dangling  riband  dots  the  sky, 
From  one  soft  gauzy  filament  sprang  I. 

[The  curtains  of  CIRCE'S  bower  are  drawn  away, 
revealing  some  part  of  its  interior  and  a  nymph 
standing  on  either  side.  CIRCE  moves  slowly  back 
ward  to  the  bower  entrance;  and  her  three  nymphs 
move  backward  toward  the  several  exits.] 

CIRCE 
[To  the  audience]  There  is  a  sleep  that  hath  no 

need  of  dreams  : 

When  of  each  waking  hour  the  passage  seems 
A  bird-flight  under  lovelier  skies  than  those 
Which  dreamland  fancy  to  the  slumberer  shows. 

[The  music  of  CIRCE'S  song  is  again  heard,  and  the 
drop-curtain  falls  while  all  are  just  disappearing. 
PHILINNA  goes  out  at  Right  2;  THERMIA  at  Left  2; 
MYRTO  at  Left  centre.} 


CIRCE 


in 

A  camp  by  the  seashore  just  before  sunrise.  The  ground 
rises  at  the  back  and  Right,  rough  with  shrubbery  and  rocks. 
A  galley  of  antique  build  has  been  drawn  upon  the  sand 
crosswise  at  the  Left  and  there  are  glimpses  of  the  sea  on 
this  side.  The  mast  has  been  unstepped  and  a  few  long  oars 
lean  against  the  side  of  the  vessel.  There  are  other  signs  of  a 
recent  disembarcation.  Articles  of  nautical  and  warlike  use 
lie  on  the  ground  or  hang  upon  bushes  and  rocks  ;  wine- jars, 
cups,  plates,  etc.  have  been  deposited.  The  forms  of  a  nu 
merous  company  of  men  are  seen  sleeping  on  the  ground, 
wrapped  in  their  blankets,  here  and  there  near  the  ship. — 
In  the  foreground  at  the  Right  centre  a  fire  of  small  sticks  is 
beginning  to  burn  under  tripod  and  kettle.  THERON,  the 
cook,  is  seen  seated  on  the  ground  near  the  fire,  washing 
strips  of  meat  for  roasting.  From  the  low  branch  of  a  tree 
near  him  hangs  the  well  stripped  carcass  of  a  deer,  the  hide 
and  the  head  bearing  large  antlers  in  full  view  near  by. 
ELPENOR,  the  cook's  helper,  is  at  work  trying  to  make  the 
fire  burn. 

THERON 

Scratch  together  another  stick  or  two  of  wood, 
youngster. 

[Enter  GLATJCUS  at  Right  with  a  jar  of  water  which 
he  sets  down  near  THERON.] 

That  will  do  for  water,  Glauc.  Take  a  hand  now 
and  help  the  lad  blow  the  fire  a  bit. 

[28] 


D      THE     FIRST     ACT 


GLAUCUS 

So  I  will,  though  I  be  a  trifle  blown  myself,  tramp 
ing  up  and  down  to  that  spring. 

THERON 

That 's  where  the  commander  pinked  the  deer 
yesterday,  eh? 

GLAUCUS 

Ay,  ay  ;  the  old  man  has  n't  forgotten  how  to  let 
slip  an  arrow  since  we  became  water-dogs,  for 
certain. 

THERON 

'T  was  a  crack  piece  of  venison  he  fetched  in  and 
no  mistake  !  There  's  a  strip  or  two  left  for 
breakfast ;  but  I  reckon  we  '11  have  to  make  a 
soup  of  the  hide  for  dinner — that  is  if  other 
game  does  n't  turn  up.  [He  lays  pieces  of  meat 
spitted  over  the  coals.] 

GLAUCUS 

The  soup  '11  do  them.  They  took  solid  meat  enough 
aboard  yesterday  to  last  for  a  week's  voyage. 

[29] 


CIRCE 


ELPENOR 

When  I  saw  them  eating,  it  made  me  think  of 
father  feeding  the  hogs  up  in  Cephallenia. 

GLAUCUS 

They  're  grunting  yet.  Just  hear  the  beggars  snore  ! 
And  we  turned  in  before  sunset  too. 

THERON 

The  Pramnian  's  responsible  for  that :  we  tapped 
four  jars.  It 's  the  same  as  keeled  over  that 
beastly  hulk  of  a  Cyclops. 

ELPENOR 

The  commander  took  a  mighty  round  swig  him 
self  ;  I  saw  him. 

GLAUCUS 

Trust  him  for  keeping  his  head  level.  Besides,  he 
can  carry  more  of  the  rosy  than  any  three  of  us. 

THERON 

Pass  over  those  barley  spats,  boy — ah  !  you  Ve 
got  them  too  wet,  you  monkey. —  Say,  Glauc, 
how  would  you  like  to  see  such  a  thing  as  a 
woman  again,  eh?  [THERON  grins  and  nudges 
GLAUCUS'  knee  with  his  elbow.] 

[301 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


GLAUCUS 
Well,  you  're  right ;  it  is  a  long  time  since. 

ELPENOR 

Was  n't  that  a  woman  you  saw  at  the  last  landing- 
place? — there  where  they  smashed  all  the 
ships  we  had  but  this  one. 

THERON 

What ! — the  giant's  daughter?  Bless  you,  boy, 
that  was  a  waddling  mountain,  not  a  woman  ! 

GLAUCUS 

You  might  throw  your  arms  round  her  waist 
twice,  Elpy,  and  never  touch  the  tips  of  your 
fingers. 

THERON 
By  the  powers,  she  was  a  hogshead  to  tackle ;  ha,  ha  ! 

GLAUCUS 

If  there  be  female  inhabitants  of  this  prickly 
country,  it 's  to  be  hoped  they  're  not  built 
after  that  pattern.  But  everything  here  wears 
horns,  so  far.  [He  taps  the  antlers  of  the  stag.] 

[31] 


CIRCE 


THERON 

Well,  we  're  nigh  about  ready.  Set  those  plates 
round  in  just  a  little  order.  Call  'em  up,  Elp  ! 
Take  my  knife  here  and  hammer  on  that 
shield  hanging  by  the  tree.  The  sun  '11  be  on 
us  shortly.  One  more  jar  of  water,  Glaucus. 
[Exit  GLAUCUS.] 

ELPENOR 

[Pounding  on  the  metallic  shield]  Ding,  dong ! 
Cling,  clang !  Breakfast !  Get  up  !  Get  up  ! 
Breakfast !  Ding,  dong  !  Cling,  clang  ! 

[The  men  rise  one  after  another  from  their  beds 
on  the  ground  and  adjust  their  garments,  which 
look  stained  and  weather-worn.  GLAUCUS  re- 
enters  and  pours  water  into  several  basins  for 
the  men  to  wash  their  hands.  They  gradually 
find  seats  on  the  ground  near  the  fire  and  begin 
to  eat,  the  cook  and  his  assistant  serving  them 
informally.  The  conversation  begins  while  they 
are  dressing  and  getting  ready,  before  they  sit.] 

PHORBAS 

[Looking  around  him  suspiciously]  I  wonder  on 
which  side  the  sun  rises  in  this  blessed  country. 

[321 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


PHILEMON 

On  the  east  side,  maybe  ;  leastwise  it  ought  to  come 
up  opposite  to  where  it  went  down  yesterday. 

PHORBAS 

Well,  who  remembers  where  that  was?  Split  me  if 
I  do! 

GLAUCUS 

Avast  there  !  the  sun  '11  peep  over  in  a  jiffy — by 
the  spring  yonder.  [He  turns  his  thumb  back 
ward  to  the  Right.] 

PHORBAS 
All  the  same  we  don't  any  of  us  know  where  we  are. 

THERON 

We  're  supposed  to  be  at  the  breakfast  table  now, 
lads.  Fall  to  if  you  've  got  any  appetite  left 
over  from  yesterday  ! 

XENIAS 

We  Ve  got  more  appetite  left  over  than  you  have 
chops,  cook. 

[33] 


CIRCE 


THERON 

Ay,  every  chop  's  a  sparerib  this  morning — except 
a  few  choice  cuts  here  for  the  commander  and 
the  mate.  They  're  done  now. 

[He  takes  the  meat  from  the  fire  into  a  platter.] 

Here,  young  man  ;  take  'em  over  to  him  round 
the  other  side  of  the  ship. 

ELPENOR 

[As  he  goes  out]  We  're  going  to  have  soup  for 
dinner.  [He  disappears  behind  the  vessel.] 

PHILEMON 

Look  here,  Theron ;  did  you  put  the  charcoal  in 
these  barley  cakes  before  baking  or  after? 

GLAUCUS 

Pooh,  pooh  !  Never  mind  the  grit,  man ;  it 's  an 
aid  to  digestion.  We  're  lucky  enough  to  have 
groats  aboard,  anyway. 

PHORBAS 

We  're  lucky  to  be  alive  !  By  Apollo,  how  I  shiver 
when  I  think  of  that  ^Eolian  duffer  and  the 
cursed  wind-bags  he  palmed  off  on  us  ! 

[341 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


XENIAS 

'T  was  worse  than  a  hurricane  on  the  wrong 
quarter  when  they  blew  up — took  us  straight 
back  to  the  old  boy  himself. 

PHILEMON 

He  was  a  windy  humbug  !  You  'd  have  thought,  to 
hear  him  talk,  we  'd  be  back  home  in  Ithaca 
inside  of  twenty-four  hours. 

PHORBAS 

And  now  we  're  only  here!  Another  cannibal  island, 
I  '11  bet  my  pile  !  Ye  gods  !  I  would  n't  go  up 
ten  rods  from  the  shore  for  a  gold  mine. 

THERON 

Well,  the  commander  took  a  little  walk  yesterday 
and  nobody  ate  him  up.  He  did  n't  make  much 
of  a  report  as  to  what  he  saw ;  but  I  've  a 
notion  he  '11  say  something  about  it  to-day. 

GLAUCUS 
Sh —  here  he  comes  now  !  Mind  your  taps,  men  ! 

[35] 


CIRCE 


[Enter  ULYSSES  and  EURYLOCHUS  at  the  Left  from 
behind  the  ship.  The  men  finishing  their  meal 
salute  without  rising  and  arrange  themselves 
comfortably  and  informally  on  the  ground  in  a 
sort  of  circle  looking  toward  ULYSSES  in  the 
centre.  ELPENOR  re-enters  behind  the  two  and 
sits  down  with  the  others.  EURYLOCHUS  also 
seats  himself  upon  the  ground  at  the  right  hand 
of  ULYSSES.  In  appearance  the  mate  is  dis 
tinguished  from  the  crew  mainly  by  wearing 
fresher  and  less  weather-beaten  garments.  ULYS 
SES  wears  a  helmet  and  carries  his  sword  and 
baldric  in  his  hand.  He  throws  the  weapon  upon 
the  ground,  and  as  he  begins  to  speak  takes  off 
his  helmet,  holding  it  swinging  by  its  strap  in 
his  left  hand  while  he  stands  and  speaks.  The 
rays  of  the  rising  sun  now  strike  over  the  bank 
behind  him.] 

ULYSSES 
Good  morrow,  men  !  How  sped  the  night? 

SEVERAL  VOICES 
O,  hearty,  hearty  ! 


THE     FIRST     ACT 

EURYLOCHUS 

They  had  a  bout  to  sleep  on,  you  remember,  sir. 

ULYSSES 

That  was  high  festival — too  rare  a  hap  ! 
'T  was  sipping  of  the  rest  ye  needed  sore ; 
But  now  there  's  toil  in  prospect. 

PHILEMON 

We  thought  you  might  tell  us,  sir,  what  the 
prospect  showed  when  you  stepped  out  yester 
day  and  got  the  deer. 

PHORBAS 
We  're  hoping  to  sail  away  from  here  directly. 

ULYSSES 

Of  sail  and  oar  appears  an  end  not  yet, 
Brave  comrades, — ye  sad  fortune-favor'd  few, 
Poor  relic  of  that  once  gallant  troop  which  sat 
High  on  three-hundred  thwarts ;  when  each  proud 

keel, 

Cleaving  a  homeward  furrow,  swept  gaily  past 
Familiar  beacons  ;  and  from  known  crag  and  scaur 

[37] 


CIRCE 


Triumphal  friendly  greetings  echoed  loud, 
That  drop  like  honey  in  victorious  ears. 
Not  long  their  cadence  lingered  ;  but  ye  know 
What  flouts  of  whirlwind  and  black  sulphurous 

cloud, 

Wreck-witness'd  warrants  of  Neptunian  ire, 
Whelm'd  some  with  death  and  the  scant  remnant 

usher'd 

Into  these  strange,  uncanny,  nameless  seas. 
And  now  from  wave  to  wave  your  weary  arms 
Drive  the  lone  pinnace,  this  frail  shell  of  hope, 
With    mingled    dread    and    homesick    yearning 

freighted. 

[ As  ULYSSES  pauses,  some  of  the  men,  all  of  whom  are 
looking  to  him  intently,  shake  their  heads  or  rock 
themselves  to  and  fro,  and  faint  groans  are  heard.] 

But  cheer,  brave  shipmates  ;  cheer  ! 

Not  boundless  stretch  these  watery  wastes,  but 

still 
Shines  somewhere  a  vine-clad  slope  and  pebbly 

cove, 
The  fair  home-harbor  pictured  in  your  dreams. 

[The  men  give  utterance  to  loud  sighs  and  groans.} 

[38] 


THE     FIRST    ACT 


Somewhere  it  sparkles  yet ;  but  whether  a  ray 

Of  yonder  climbing  sun  illumed  its  borders 

Ere  he  warm'd  us,  or  by  the  western  rim 

Of  darkling  eve  our  cherish'd  haven  lies, 

We  know  not.  In  ourselves,  thus  mazed  and  wilder'd 

By  circular  drif tings  and  strange  gruesome  sights, 

There  springs  no  source  of  judgment,  whence  to 

draw 

Some  pilotage  and  index  of  true  course. 
Yet  on  these  wild  inhospitable  shores 
Beings  we  have  encountered — and  not  all 
Of  baleful  or  ungracious  mood — who  hold 
Rare  store  of  guiding  knowledge. — Should  we  not 
Press  with  glad  feet  even  now  our  native  soil, 
If  ye,  unhappy  men,  had  spared  to  loose 
The  contrary  winds  great  ^Eolus  did  tie  down 
To  assure  our  safety? 

[The  men  manifest  great  perturbation;  some  gestic 
ulating  and  shaking  their  heads;  others  rising  to  their 
knees  and  striking  themselves.  Mutterings  and  faint 
outcries  escape  them.] 

EURYLOCHUS 

[Timidly;  rising  to  his  feet]  You  failed  to  tell  them, 
sir,  what  was  in  the  bags. 

[391 


CIRCE 


ULYSSES 

[Sternly]  I  faiPd  first  to  remember 
What  slender  stock  of  prudence  or  just  restraint 
Your  wits  preserve.  So,  while  I  slept,  ye  wrought 
Mischief  beyond  repair.  It  was  thy  watch, 
Eurylochus  ;  dost  recall  it? 

EURYLOCHUS 
Yes,  sir,  it  was  my  company  on  duty  then. 

ULYSSES 
Draw  off  thy  men ;  let  them  assemble  apart. 

[At  a  sign  from  EURYLOCHUS  men  to  the  number  of 
one-half  the  crew  arise  and  group  themselves  around 
him  on  the  Right.  The  rest  remain  seated  nearer 
ULYSSES.  EURYLOCHUS'  company  includes  GLAUCUS, 
THERON,  ELPENOR,  and  PHORBAS.] 

ULYSSES 

[To  all  as  before]  I  repeat,  then, 
There  dwell  in  these  weird  regions  spirits — some 

few, 

Mighty  yet  not  malevolent,  and  endued 
With  sapient  skill  and  far  discernment.  Nor 
Save  by  experience  of  them  may  we  hope 

[40] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


To  win  the  instructions  craved.  Here  yesterday 
From  the  bare  peak  whereto  I  clomb,  the  view 
Of  a  round  isle  lay  open  ;  and  at  the  point 
Where  these  upwinding  brambly  folds  converge 
I  saw  faint-coiling  smoke- wreaths,  the  sure  sign 
Of  dwellers. 

[All  of  the  men  are  visibly  disturbed  and  give  increased 
and  anxious  attention.] 

It  behooves  us  now  to  prove 

Their  case  and  disposition.  But  whether  it  suits 
Rather  that  I  conduct  my  party  thither 
For  the  grave  query,  or  Eurylochus  his, 
Allotment  shall  decide. 

[Sensation  among  his  hearers] 

Ofttimes  the  hand 

Of  Fortune  guides  a  venturous  essay  fitter 
Than  human  arbitration.  Mark,  then,  Eurylochus, 
My  lot  and  thine. 

[EURYLOCHUS  with  assistance  from  others  finds  upon 
the  beach  two  small  fiat  stones.  These  he  scratches  with 
his  dagger,  marking  one  with  a  V,  the  other  with  an  E.] 

K  Shake  now  the  sherds,  good  Glaucus. 

[411 


CIRCE 


[As  he  speaks  ULYSSES  passes  the  helmet  which  he  has 
hitherto  held  in  his  left  hand  to  GLAUCUS.  The  two 
lots  are  thrown  into  the  helmet;  and  GLAUCUS,  stand 
ing  in  an  open  space  and  watched  with  intense 
expectation  by  all  present,  shakes  it  violently  with  a 
circular  movement  until  one  of  the  lots  flies  out  and 
falls  to  the  ground.  The  men  strain  their  eyes  toward 
the  stone  as  it  is  picked  up  by  GLAUCUS.] 

ULYSSES 
Well,  what  decision? 

GLAUCUS 
[Holding  up  the  stone]  It's  Eurylochus,  sir,  his  mark. 

[The  announcement  produces  various  effects  upon  the 
men.  The  party  of  ULYSSES,  seated  upon  the  ground, 
strive  not  to  show  too  plainly  their  sense  of  relief;  while 
the  standing  company  of  EURYLOCHUS  are  more 
openly  affected.  PHORBAS  in  particular  is  in  a  highly 
nervous  state,  glancing  now  toward  the  hill,  now 
toward  the  water.  A  few  other  timid  ones  in  the  same 
party  demean  themselves  similarly.] 

ULYSSES 

[To  EURYLOCHUS]  Enough ;  make  ready  directly, 
and  proceed  with  reasonable  haste. 

[421 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


[The  mates  company  move  apart  and  make  prepara 
tions,  helped  to  some  extent  by  the  others.  There  is 
lively  motion  in  both  groups.  They  gather  up  things 
needful  for  an  expedition,  spears,  staves,  water- 
flasks,  etc.  THERON,  a  portly  figure,  does  not  change 
his  cook's  garb,  but  buckles  on  a  very  broad  belt  with 
hanging  straps,  and  whets  his  butcher's  cleaver  with 
a  stone.  Shortly  they  are  ready  to  start.] 

EURYLOCHUS 

My  mission  is,  sir ? 

ULYSSES 

To  announce,  if  those  thou  haply  find'st  wear  not 

Sinister  aspect,  our  good-will  and  greeting ; 

And  the  right  winds  for  homeward  voyage  inquire. 

EURYLOCHUS 
Very  well,  sir. — Fall  in,  lads  ! 

[EURYLOCHUS'  followers  draw  closer  to  their  leader, 
apart  from  the  others.  All  are  serious.  Individuals 
take  leave  of  one  another  here  and  there  with  hand 
shaking,  etc.] 

[431 


CIRCE 


ULYSSES 

The  sign  show'd  near  the  summit.  Your  ascent, 
Thorny  perchance  and  steep,  will  prove  not  long ; 
The  questioning,  easy. 

XENIAS 

[Seriously]  Have  an  eye  to  Theron,  Glaucus ;  let 
him  not  be  too  forward  with  that  meat-knife 
of  his  ! 

ELPENOR 

[Taking  hold  of  a  strap  at  THERON'S  belt]  I  shall 
hold  him  back. 

ULYSSES 

Full  oft  a  forward  mood  and  hardy  daring 
Is  of  prime  merit ;  circumstance  will  teach 
How  far  to  temper  zeal  with  slow  discretion. 
Farewell ! 

EURYLOCHUS 

Farewell,  sir  ! — Forward,  men  ! 

SEVERAL  VOICES  ON  BOTH  SIDES 
Farewell !  adieu  !  luck,  luck  ! 

[44] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


[The  mate's  company  go  out  at  the  Right  and  upward. 
EURYLOCHUS  himself  is  abreast  of  the  foremost  on 
their  left.  The  vanguard  consists  of  GLAUCUS, 
THERON  (cleaver  in  hand) ,  and  ELPENOR  (a  fragile , 
attenuated  figure)  behind  the  cook,  holding  at  his 
belt.  PHORBAS  and  other  timid  ones  bring  up  the 
rear.  The  drop-curtain  falls  as  they  move  off  while 
the  rest  watch  them  and  wave  their  hands  to  them.} 


[45] 


CIRCE 


IV 

The  same  as  Scene  I.  The  front  of  CIRCE'S  palace.  No  music 
or  other  sound  is  heard  when  the  curtain  rises.  The  fountain 
plays  as  before. — Enter  at  the  Right  by  the  main  gateway 
EURYLOCHUS  and  his  party,  the  men  grouped  similarly  as 
at  the  close  of  the  last  scene,  but  in  the  reverse  order.  In 
advance  are  PHORBAS  and  the  other  timid  ones ;  they  enter 
hurriedly,  casting  glances  of  alarm  behind  them.  The  rest 
of  the  party  immediately  follow ;  EURYLOCHUS,  GLAUCUS, 
and  THERON  last.  ELPENOR  is  in  front  of  THERON,  who 
pushes  him  forward.  The  whole  company  quickly  come  to  a 
standstill  in  a  single  close  group  with  considerable  space 
between  them  and  the  steps  of  the  porch.  They  scan  the 
building  and  its  environs  with  looks  of  wonder,  especially 
fascinated  by  the  fountain  with  its  changing  hues. — EURY 
LOCHUS  stands  apart  from  the  rest,  his  demeanor  indicating 
hesitation  and  perplexity.  While  the  others  are  talking  he 
walks  slowly  to  and  fro,  occasionally  pausing  and  scanning 
suspiciously  the  various  features  of  the  scene. 

THERON 
It 's  a  rum  go  so  far  !  eh,  Glaucus? 

GLAUCUS 

[Shrugging  his  shoulders]  Rum  's  the  word  !  An 
outpost  of  tame  tigers  !  It  beats  anything 
we  've  walked  into  yet.  Cyclops'  cave  was  n't 
a  circumstance. 

[46] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


THERON 

I  had  a  notion  to  crack  the  skull  of  that  overgrown 
wolf-cub  when  he  landed  his  dirty  paws  on  my 
shoulders.  But  he  looked  sort  o5  gentle  like, 
and  besides  I  thought  the  old  chap  who  owns 
the  menagerie  might  take  a  miff — whoever  he  is. 

GLAUCUS 

It 's  some  retired  show-man  or  prize-fighter,  I 
reckon. 

THEHON 

He  's  got  a  blue  devil  penned  up  in  his  fountain, 
sure !  Just  look  at  that,  old  man ;  hock  first, 
and  blue  vitriol  at  the  tail  end  of  it !  There  's 
bitters  for  you  with  a  vengeance  ! — Blast  me, 
but  I  'm  thirsty  as  an  oyster,  whacking  a  way 
up  through  that  pesky  brush- wood  !  If  there  's 
a  chance  to  wet  our  whistles  inside  the  house 
it  '11  be  worth  the  dog-show  twice  over. 

PHORBAS 

I  tell  you  it  '11  pay  to  be  cautious  about  the  inside. 
Ugh  !  it  did  make  my  flesh  creep,  crossing 
that  cordon  of  wild-cats  !  There  's  no  knowing 
what  we  '11  put  our  foot  on  if  we  go  farther. 

[471 


CIRCE 


ELPENOR 
I  put  my  foot  on  a  snake. 

GLAUCUS 

They  put  an  architect  to  work  here  that  saw 
snakes,  anyhow.  Take  a  look  at  those  water 
spouts,  boys  !  [Pointing  to  the  gargoyles] 

EURYLOCHUS 

[Approaching  the  group]  Well,  men  ;  what 's  the 
next  step?  The  commander  said  go  ahead  if 
the  people  were  n't  unfriendly.  The  wild  beasts 
out  there  were  friendly  enough,  you  might 
say  ;  but  there  's  an  uncanny  look  to  it  all. 

THERON 

I  vote  to  go  ahead  and  knock  up  the  owner.  If  he  's 
no  worse  than  his  own  whelps  we  can  stand 
it ; — especially  if  he  stands  for  the  drinks. 

GLAUCUS 

There  's  no  two-legged  craft  within  hail  outside— 
nothing  but  four-footed  gentry  out  here. 

EURYLOCHUS 
We  might  mount  the  stairs,  then,  cautiously,  and 

[48] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


see  how  things  look  under  the  doorway 
yonder.  [Shaking  his  head]  But  I  fear  enchant 
ment. 

[As  they  approach  the  steps  the  hum  of  the 
spinning-wheel  begins  to  be  heard.  The  men 
pause  again,  and  look  at  each  other  a  moment  in 
silence.  EURYLOCHUS  starts  at  the  sound  of  the 
wheel,  his  features  betraying  heightened  anxiety.] 

THERON 

[Slapping  GLAUCUS  on  the  shoulder]  God-a-mercy, 
it 's  womankind  after  all,  Glauc  !  Come  on  ! 
Ha,  ha  ! 

ELPENOR 

Maybe  it 's  a  mountain. 

[They  all  move  toward  the  steps  again.  THERON,  with 
ELPENOR  holding  to  his  belt,  and  GLAUCUS  are  now 
in  advance;  EURYLOCHUS  is  at  one  side;  PHORBAS 
and  others  are  behind.  As  the  first  man  sets  foot  on 
the  steps  the  wheel  stops  humming  and  faint  music 
strikes  up  as  prelude  to  CIRCE'S  song.  Immediately 
a  clear  soprano  voice  is  heard  behind  the  scenes  sing 
ing  the  air,  the  chorus  of  the  song  being  performed  by 
a  quartette  of  women's  voices.  The  hearers  are  sen- 

[49 


CIRCE 


sibly  affected,  showing  their  feelings  by  appropriate 
pantomime  as  they  alternately  pause  and  mount 
slowly  higher  and  higher  upon  the  stairs.  EURYLOCHUS 
alone  exhibits  symptoms  of  horror  and  repulsion;  the 
others  seem  to  be  charmed  and  lured  on  by  the  song. 
All  of  them  except  the  leader  are  gathered  together 
upon  the  porch  close  to  the  doorway  when  the  last 
stanza  is  sung.] 

THE  SONG  OF  CIRCE 

Ah,  who  ! — ah,  who  ! 
Who  would  dwell  longer  there         bis 
In  a  rude  world  of  care, 

Of  toil  and  care  ! 
They  only  live,  who  hear 
My  song  and  taste  my  cheer — 

Who  my  life  share.         bis 

Ah,  who  ! — ah,  who 
Would  toil  and  tarry  there  ! 

(Chorus) 

They  only  live,  who  hear 
Our  song  and  taste  our  cheer — 

Who  our  life  share.         bis 

Ah,  who  ! — ah,  who 
Would  toil  and  tarry  there  ! 

[50] 


THE     F  I  R  S  T     ACT 

II 

I  know — I  know 
Where  bubbling  waters  flow  ; 
Where  shadowy  willows  sway 
And  wood  nymphs  hide  and  play 

In  my  round  isle. 
I  know  which  clustering  vine 
Spirts  out  the  sweetest  wine. 

Who  would  not  while 

Swift  hours  away  ! 

Ah,  who  ! — ah,  who  ! 
In  my  round  bowery  isle  ! 

(Chorus) 

We  know — we  know  which  vine 
Spirts  out  the  sweetest  wine. 

Who  would  not  while 

Swift  hours  away  ! 

Ah,  who  ! — ah,  who  ! 
In  our  round  bowery  isle  ! 


[51 


CIRCE 


III 

I  know — I  know 

What  makes  the  wood-dove  moan         bis 
In  the  dark  coppice  lone  ; 

I  know  the  cure. 
When  floats  the  owlet's  cry, 
Her  quavering  lullaby, 

Who  ! — ah,  who  ! 
While  night  winds  sigh, 
Who  would  not  quaff  the  cure  ! 

Ah,  who  ! — ah,  who  ! 

(Chorus) 

We  know,  we  know  the  cure. 
When  floats  the  owlet's  cry, 
Her  quavering  lullaby, 

Who  ! — ah,  who  ! 
While  night  winds  sigh, 
Who  would  not  quaff  the  cure  ! 

Ah,  who  ! — ah,  who  ! 

GLAUCUS 
[Loudly,  in  a  musical  tone]  Hola  ! — hola  ! 

[Directly  upon  the  utterance  of,  this  call  the  low, 
shaded  recess  of  the  doorway,  which  was  dark  before, 

[521 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


groivs  bright  with  the  same  golden  radiance  that  had 
shone  intermittently  upon  the  fountain;  and  the 
throng  of  visitors,  excepting  their  leader,  press  swiftly 
forward  and  disappear  through  the  opening.  Again 
immediately  the  light  in  the  doorway  changes  to  blue, 
with  electrical  sparks.  EURYLOCHUS,  who  is  directing 
his  gaze  toward  the  opening,  shrinks  back  in  alarm; 
and  at  the  same  moment  the  spray  of  the  fountain 
becomes  blue  and  remains  of  that  color.  Descending 
to  a  lower  stair  EURYLOCHUS  peers  under  the  door 
way,  listening  intently.  No  sound  is  heard.  Then, 
his  attention  being  drawn  to  the  sombre  hue  of  the 
fountain,  while  he  is  looking  away  from  the  entrance, 
a  large  serpent  lets  down  its  coils  from  the  roof  of  the 
porch;  and  as  the  man  turns  again  toward  the 
entrance  he  is  confronted  with  its  wide-open  jaws, 
forked  tongue,  and  glittering  eyes.  As  he  retreats 
precipitately  from  the  stairs  the  serpent  draws  itself 
up  out  of  sight.  EURYLOCHUS  stops  once  more  in  the 
foreground  to  watch  and  listen  for  some  sign  of  his 
men  within  the  palace;  but  as  he  turns  toward  the 
building,  the  head  of  a  wolf  with  glowing  eyes  is 
protruded  from  a  clump  of  shrubbery.  Upon  en 
countering  this  final  apparition  he  flees  in  conster 
nation  from  the  scene.] 

853] 


CIRCE 


v 

The  Seashore  again.  The  curtain  rising  discovers  the  men 
left  behind  at  the  camp  sitting  irregularly  grouped  near  the 
fire-place.  ULYSSES  stands  apart  from  them  by  the  ship, 
busied  in  inspecting  his  arms,  the  spear,  bow,  and  sword, 
which  hang  near  or  lean  against  the  vessel.  When  he  un 
sheathes  and  sheathes  the  sword  to  examine  it  while  his 
men  are  talking  it  is  seen  to  have  a  brightly  polished,  rather 
broad,  but  not  heavy  blade,  Most  of  the  time  he  stands 
with  face  turned  toward  the  water,  his  back  to  the  Right. 

FIRST  SAILOR 

Look  here,  lads ;  we  can't  wait  till  noon  for  a  bite  ! 
The  commander  ordered  breakfast  so  rattling 
early  this  morning  I  've  got  a  brand-new 
appetite  already. 

XENIAS 

Well,  take  a  nibble  on  that  pile  of  Theron's  char 
coal  cakes  left  over.  They  need  a  good  appetite 
to  make  'em  slip  down. 

FIRST  SAILOR 

Maybe  the  mate  or  Glaucus  '11  fetch  in  another 
stag  or  a  wild  goat  on  their  way  back. 

[54] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


SECOND  SAILOR 

A  wild  goose  more  like  ;  I  wonder  how  far  they  've 
got  anyway. 

PHILEMON 

They  ought  to  turn  up  before  noon.  The  com 
mander  said  they  might  get  up  there  and 
return  in  a  couple  of  hours,  as  he  judged — 
that  is,  if  they  scratched  gravel  lively. 

XENIAS 

They  Ve  got  Theron  with  'em,  remember ;  he 
can't  pass  between  two  trees  when  they  grow 
too  near  together. 

FIRST  SAILOR 

No,  but  he  can  clear  a  path  with  his  cleaver  for 
two  men — him  and  Elpy  spindle-shanks. 

SECOND  SAILOR 

[In  undertone]  By  the  way,  the  commander 's 
pretty  busy  over  there  with  his  own  cutlery. 
I  wonder  what  he  expects  next. 

[55] 


CIRCE 


PHILEMON 

He  expects  to  be  ready,  whatever  comes.  You 
don't  catch  him  napping.  Besides,  who  wants 
a  speck  of  rust  on  a  hanger  like  that?  The 
war  's  an  old  story  now  ;  and  this  salt  air  's 
the  devil's  own  invention  to  make  a  blade 
stick  to  the  scabbard. 

XENIAS 

'T  was  a  pity  he  could  n't  draw  it  on  that  Cyclops 
hog.  But  if  we  'd  let  the  blood  out  of  him  it 
would  n't  have  let  us  out  of  his  pesky  cave 
with  a  giant's  tomb-stone  clapped  up  to  the 
door  ! — [Whistling  low  as  he  looks  up.  XENIAS 
sits  facing  the  Right.]  Whew  ! — What 's  in  the 
wind  now? 

[All  turn  quickly  toward  the  point  indicated  by 
the  speaker ,  not  excepting  ULYSSES,  whose 
attention  has  been  attracted  by  the  whistle.  At 
the  Right  from  above  EURYLOCHUS  enters  slowly 
and  hesitatingly,  looking  pale  and  haggard,  his 
clothing  torn  and  disordered  by  the  brambles. 
Observing  that  all  eyes  are  directed  upon  him  he 
stops  as  if  afraid  to  approach  the  company. 

[501 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


Most  of  the  men  rise  to  their  feet  and  move 
toward  him.] 

SEVERAL  VOICES 

Hi !  hi ! — what 's  the  good  word? — News,  news? 
Where 's  Glauc?  [ETJRYLOCHUS  responds  only 
with  deprecatory  gestures.] 

ULYSSES 

What?  ho,  Eurylochus  !  Hast  tidings?  Why  alone? 
What  ails  thee,   mate?    Speak  out ;  tell   us  thy 
story  ! 

[With  gestures  of  dismay  ETJRYLOCHUS  moves 
nearer  to  ULYSSES,  but  does  not  speak.  ULYSSES 
regards  him  with  an  expression  of  deep  concern. 
The  other  men  gather  more  closely  round  the  pair.] 

XENIAS 

Wake  up,  man  !  What 's  in  your  eye?  We  're  here 
to  help  ;  cheer  up  ! 

PHILEMON 

[Patting  ETJRYLOCHUS  on  the  shoulder]  Out  with  it ; 
out  with  it ! — Go  ahead  ;  palaver  ! 

[57] 


CIRCE 


XENIAS 

Open  up,  old  fellow.  You  're  not  dead,  anyway. 
We  're  used  to  funerals  by  this  time.  [EuRY- 
LOCHUS  remains  in  his  despairing  attitude  and 
is  still  unable  to  speak.] 

ULYSSES 

[Severely;   taking   a   step   nearer  to   EURYLOCHTJS, 
while  the  men  fall  back  slightly.] 

Eurylochus,  I  enjoin  you  and  command 

To  conquer  this  o'er-mastering  mute  despair. 

Deliver  straightway  the  account  we  crave 

Of  your  commission  and  make  known  why  thus 

Alone  and  fraught  with  visible  woe  thou  comest. — 

Where  are  they?  Speak  ! — 

EURYLOCHUS 
[With  effort;  after  further  hesitation.] 

Noble  Ulysses,  we  did  most  duly  follow 
Thy  charge  and  indication.  And  when  with  sharp 
Stretches  of  toilsome  clambering  we  drew  nigh 
This  shaggy  island's  summit,  where  the  ground 
Sloped  smoother,  as  these  rude  prickly  folds  gave 
way 

[581 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


To  a  tall  grove  of  sombre  trees  which  thrust 
Their  welcome  shadows  against  the  mounting  sun, — 
There  'twixt  the  spectral  boles  our  upward  glance 
Fell  on  a  portly  mansion's  shimmering  sides. 
But  first,  as  we  clomb  higher,  a  court-yard  wall 
Barr'd,  though  with  open  portals,  our  approach. 
For  at  its  mouth  a  glowering  throng,  Ulysses, 
Of  pards  and  grisly  wolves  sat  by  ;  not  wild, 
But  of  a  tameness  stranger  and  more  awful 
Than  fierce  beasts'  native  temper — 't  was  sure  sign, 
And  not  the  last,  of  foul  enchantment.  These 
Strove  not  to  tear  and  rend  us,  but  were  fain 
Like  petted  dogs  to  fawn,  wagging  long  tails 
And  monstrous  paws  on  lap  or  shoulders  throwing  ; 
While  in  their  eyes  sad  looks,  half  human,  seem'd 
To  deprecate  and  warn.  But  we  press'd  on, 
Heeding  thy  charge,  Ulysses,  to  mark  well 
The  human  dwellers'  aspect  and  of  them 
Inquire,  proved  they  not  unbenign  or  harsh. 
Dwellers  indeed  we  saw  not ;  but  the  whole  pile, 
As  near  its  door  we  stood,  did  reek  and  rumble 
With   devilish  witchery.   Scaly   serpents   writhed 
At  every  coigne ;  faces  with  fiery  eyeballs 
Peer'd  out  amid  the  foliage  ;  and  o'er  all 
Weird  flashes  leapt  of  lurid  sulphurous  flame. 

[59] 


CIRCE 


Yet  that  which  most  profoundly  stirr'd  my  doubts 
And  dark  suspicions,  was  the  unearthly  song, 
With  languorous  music  mixt,  that  issued  forth 
To  charm  and  tempt  us  with  seductive  spell. 
Myself  shrank  back  when  on  my  ear  that  strain 
Of  woman's  guile  or  witch's  magic  struck. 
Not  so  the  rest,  Ulysses, — our  lost  comrades  ; 
But  the  song  bound  and  pull'd  them ;  nor  could  I 
Stem  their  mad  folly.  One  spoke  forth  and  call'd  ; 
And  as  the  doors  swang  wider  all  were  swept 
Under  the  hellish  gap  ;  which,  closing,  swallow'd 
Like  an  engulfing  whirlpool  the  doom'd  crew. 
For  though,  as  the  song  ceased,  I  watch'd  and 

waited 

Long  time  for  tidings  or  some  sign,  none  came  : 
Naught  but  a  dismal  silence  and  increase 
Of  snaky  menace  and  blue  infernal  gleams  ! 

[Immediately  upon  the  conclusion  of  EURYLOCHUS' 
narrative  ULYSSES,  who  has  listened  intently,  reaches 
for  his  sword  near  by;  takes  a  quick  look  at  the  blade 
as  he  draws  it  partly  out  and  then  pushes  it  back 
into  the  scabbard;  slings  the  weapon  over  his  shoulder, 
puts  on  his  helmet,  and  then  turns  to  EURYLOCHUS 
again.  The  latter  exhibits  fresh  dismay  at  seeing 

[60] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


ULYSSES  thus  arm  himself.  The  other  men  also  are 
visibly   affected  by  their  commander's   movements.} 

ULYSSES 

So  then  thou  knowest  the  way,  Eurylochus  : 
Lead  on  forthwith  by  the  same  path  ;  show  me 
The  spot  where  thou  didst  leave  them. 

EURYLOCHUS 
[Falling  at  the  feet  of  ULYSSES  and  clasping  his  knees] 

Not  thither,  great  Ulysses  !  Take  me  not  thither  ! 
Thyself  will  ne'er  return,  I  know  right  well. 
It  is  the  road  to  death  or  to  some  state 
Of  hideous,  vile  bewitchment  worse  than  death. 
Thou  canst  not  rescue  them  !  What  power  hath  man 
To  battle  with  foul  uncanny  spirits? — Nay, 
This  isle  is  haunted.  Let  us  fly  ;  we  are 
Thus  many  left  alive.  To  ship  and  fly  ! 

ULYSSES 
[Scornfully]  Eurylochus,  't  is  thy  privilege ;  thou 

art  free 

To  nurse  thy  safety,  tarrying  by  the  ship. 
On  me  a  duty  rests  ;  my  course  lies  clear  : 
My  comrades'  fate  I  go  to  prove. 

[611 


CIRCE 


[EURYLOCHUS  retreats  and  cowers  while  ULYSSES 
speaks,  at  the  same  time  gradually  rising  to  a  stand 
ing  posture  with  his  face  toward  the  speaker.  He  does 
not  join  the  group  of  the  other  men.  These  have  their 
eyes  fixed  on  the  commander,  some  of  them  moving 
anxiously  toward  him.  With  his  last  words  ULYSSES 
starts  to  go  out  at  the  Right.  EURYLOCHUS  turns  away 
and  sits  upon  a  stone  near  the  ship  and  the  water 
at  the  Left,  covering  his  face.] 

PHILEMON 

May  we  not,  sir,  accompany  you  as  guard 
Or  help  at  hazard? 

ULYSSES 

Nay,  good  men  ;  remain 
And  guard  the  vessel.  My  errand  's  of  espial 
And  wary  circumspection  :  meet  for  one  ; 
For  more,  unsuited.  I  shall  not  slip.  Farewell ! 

SEVERAL  VOICES 
Farewell !  farewell,  sir  ! 

[The  curtain  falls  as  ULYSSES  disappears,  while  the 
men  stand  following  his  footsteps  with  their  eyes.] 

[021 


C!      THE     FIRST     ACT      O 

VI 

The  same  as  Scene  II.  CIRCE'S  banquet-hall. — As  the 
curtain  rises  the  party  who  entered  the  palace  at  the  close 
of  Scene  IV  are  shown  seated  at  the  table  on  the  Left,  while 
THERMIA  and  other  nymphs  serve  them  with  food  and  wine. 
The  cups  are  filled  by  pouring  from  tall  slender  pitchers  of 
silver,  and  these  in  turn  by  dipping  the  wine  with  ladles 
from  the  punch-bowl  on  the  sideboard.  The  Enchantress 
and  her  companions  are  in  their  usual  places.  MYRTO  turns 
her  wheel  slowly  and  intermittently  without  noticeable 
sound.  CIRCE,  seated  as  before  at  the  head  of  the  table  on 
the  Right,  wears  the  same  dress  as  in  Scene  II,  but  her 
black  robe  is  not  thrown  off.  The  wand  lies  upon  the  table 
near  her  right  hand,  neither  carelessly  nor  conspicuously 
placed.  The  throne  at  her  left  hand,  behind  which  PHILINNA 
stands,  is  occupied  by  Mikkos,  who  wears  a  brightly  polished 
collar. 

The  guests  are  all  at  the  table  farthest  from  CIRCE.  The 
throne  at  its  head,  opposite  her  throne,  is  occupied  by 
ELPENOR.  At  his  left,  near  the  corner  of  the  table,  sits 
PHORBAS,  partaking  freely  of  the  banquet,  but  glancing 
nervously,  now  toward  Mikkos  and  now  toward  the  door 
behind  the  dais  where  they  had  entered.  At  the  left  of 
PHORBAS  sit  some  feasters  with  their  backs  to  the  audience. 
On  the  other  side  of  the  table,  facing  the  audience,  are 
THERON  the  cook  (at  ELPENOR'S  right)  wearing  his  cap ; 
GLAUCUS  (the  farthest  in  the  direction  toward  Mikkos)  ; 
and  other  men  between  THERON  and  GLAUCUS. 

[631 


CIRCE 


It  is  near  the  close  of  the  entertainment.  Appearances  indi 
cate  that  the  banqueters  have  begun  to  feel  the  effects  of 
the  wine  that  is  still  poured  freely.  They  are  also  partly 
dazed  and  partly  exhilarated  by  the  presence  of  the  Enchant 
ress  and  her  elegant  nymphs.  The  symptoms  of  intoxication 
and  bewilderment  on  the  part  of  the  men  become  by  degrees 
more  manifest  as  the  conversation  proceeds.  GLAUCUS 
preserves  his  dignity  rather  better  than  his  companions  ; 
but  he  seems  fascinated  by  CIRCE,  to  whom  he  is  the  nearest 
in  his  position  at  table ;  and  he  does  not  refrain  from  drink 
ing  copiously,  nor  show  due  caution  or  a  disposition  to 
remember  the  details  of  the  mission  with  which  EURYLOCHUS 
had  been  entrusted. 

CIRCE 
[After  a  pause] 

Ye  do  full  justice,  strangers  and  kind  guests, 
To  this  our  welcome  and  the  cheer  we  spread. 
'T  is  right.  Go  on  ;  and  so  with  act  sincere, 
Not  by  the  hollow  word,  those  virtues  prove 
Which  to  my  bounty  I  would  fain  impute. 
And  truly,  until  a  guest  hath  quell'd  the  pangs 
Of  sharp  importunate  hunger,  it  were  ungracious 
To  crave  of  him  accounts  or  ply  his  ear 
With  curious  question. — I  am  well  pleased  to  wait 
Upon  your  silence  keeping  even  pace 

[64] 


ES      THE     FIRST     ACT 

With  appetite. — Ye  have  not  sat  of  late, 
I  judge,  at  flowing  boards. 

ELPENOR 
[Loudly]  We  had  roast  deer  yesterday. 

THERON 
[Flourishing  his  fork]  Done  to  a  turn  ! 

CIRCE 

Ah  ! — did  ye  then  venture 
To  hunt  and  slay  the  creatures  that  frequent 
My  island  park?  It  were  no  jest  to  play 
The  involuntary  cannibal ! 

[Some  of  the  men  are  seen  to  be  startled  by  this  remark.] 

Follow'd  perchance 
Unusual  visions  in  the  wake  of  the  feast? 

PHORBAS 

Yes,  yes  !  my  sleep  ran  ghostly  ;  but  I  thought 
'T  was  a  mere  nightmare. 

ELPENOR 

I  thought  I  saw  a  horse! 

[65] 


CIRCE 


CIRCE 

Of  our  four-footed  denizens  we  note 
Two  sorts  :  one  of  original  beastly  shape  ; 
Another,  to  which  the  brutal  guise  hath  fallen 
As  fit  encasement  of  their  human  habits. 
And  these  two  kinds,  one  from  the  other  with  sure 
Discrimination  to  distinguish,  proves 
Sometimes  not  easy.  Thus  our  good  Mikkos  here 

[Patting  the  ape  lightly] 

Was  once  a  philosopher  of  the  ancient  sect 
Call'd  pre-Ionic — in  his  day  the  most 
Redoubtable  of  doubters. 

GLAUCUS 
[Gravely;  nodding  his  head  unsteadily] 

Madam,  we  doubt  it  not. 

CIRCE 

Fate  ordain 'd 

That  to  this  island  he  should  drift  and  taste 

Our  cordials.  Whereon  he  was  profoundly  struck 

With  my  maid  Myrto. 

[Here  MYRTO  without  looking  up  sets  her  wheel 

[66] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


a-spinning  loudly  for  a  brief  moment,  causing  the 
banqueters  to  turn  their  eyes  in  her  direction.] 

From  that  hour  a  change 
Came  o'er  him. 

MYRTO 

It  was  a  harmless  fancy  ; 
And  he  is  harmless  now. 

[Upon  hearing  MYRTO'S  voice  Mikkos  without  turn 
ing  toward  her  begins  to  raise  himself  by  his  hands 
upon  the  arms  of  the  chair,  but  at  a  sign  from  CIRCE 
lowers  himself  to  sitting  posture.] 

THERON 

[To  CIRCE  ;  pointing  with  his  fork  to  PHILINNA] 
But  why,  madam? — why  did  he  not  choose 
That  young  miss  there  behind  him? 

CIRCE 
He  was  a  philosopher,  I  said. 

THERON 

He  was  a  pig!  — 

CIRCE 

Ah,  by  the  by,  Thermia,  didst  thou  tell  Graea 
To  renovate  those  sties? 

[67[ 


CIRCE 


THERMIA 

I  did,  my  lady. 

More  swine,  she  says,  have  bolted 
And  to  the  woods  run  wild.  One  sty  stands  empty. 

CIRCE 
It  shall  be  fill'd  erelong. 

PHORBAS 
[Looking  anxiously  at  a  platter  before  him] 

Might   there    be    a   possible    doubt    about    these 
spareribs? 

CIRCE 

Not  the  least ; 
I  have  a  discriminating  cook. 

THERON 

[Helping  himself  to  more  meat]  You  can  wager 
She  knows  pork  when  she  sees  it ! 

ELPENOR 
My  father  feeds  hogs  too. 

CIRCE 

Thy  father,  gentle  youth,  will  be  to-morrow 
One  pig  the  poorer. — But  where  dwells  he  pray? 

[681 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


ELPENOR 
He  dwells  at  home  ;  I  left  him  there. 

THERON 

Lady,  the  lad  forgets  ;  I  do  much  doubt 

If  his  own  name  he  can  remember  right  now. 

CIRCE 

It  is  an  infirmity  that  ofttimes  with  wassail 
Waxes  apace.  But  haply  you,  good  sir, 
Can  tell  me  whence  ye  came? 

THERON 

O  sure,  ma'am  !  we  came  lately  from  a  cove 
Call'd  ^Eolus. 

CIRCE 

Ah,  what ! — from  my  great  kinsman, 
The  steward  of  the  winds? 

THERON 

A  windy  stew 

He  brew'd  for  us ! — Great  Juno  !  ivas  it  breezy, 
Glauc  ? 

[69] 


CIRCE 


GLAUCUS 

Madam,  I  am  a  sailor ;  but  I  never 
Saw  such  incessant,  damnable  contrary  winds 
In  all  my  voyaging  ! 

PHORBAS 
[Rousing  himself  excitedly] 

Yes,  yes  ;  but  who? 
Who  let  'em  out?  Who  let  'em  out? 

[GLAUCUS  looks  fiercely  at  the  speaker  and  THERON 
extends  his  fist  threateningly  toward  him.  PHORBAS 
shrinks  away.] 

CIRCE 

But,  gentlemen,  pray  inform  me  ;  whither  now 
Would  ye  be  wafted?  From  which  quarter  should 
Those  breezes  blow  enabling  you  to  reach 
The  desired  haven? 

THERON 

We  don't  know  that,  because 
We  don't  know  where  we  are. 

ELPENOR 
We  're  here  now. 

[70] 


C3      THE     FIRST     ACT 

GLAUCUS 

We  're  downright  weary  o'  pulling 
Across  head  winds  ! 

CIRCE 

But  which  of  you  is  leader? 
Which  one  doth  stand  for  steering  and  shrewd 
guidance? 

ELPENOR 
He  stopp'd  outside. 

PHORBAS 

We  thought  he  enter'd  with  us  ;  but  once  inside, 
We  miss'd  him. 

CIRCE 

What  he  hath  miss'd  he  knows  not.  I  shall  send 
Mikkos  to  fetch  him. 

GLAUCUS 

Our  leader,  lady, 

Is  a  good  careful  man,  yet  over  wary 
Of  women  or  witchcraft.  So  soon  he  caught  the 

strain 
Of  the  song  you  sang  it  paralyzed  him. 

[711 


CIRCE  gg 

CIRCE 

Ah! 

GLAUCUS 

Were  he  here  now,  he  could  not  look  you 
Square  in  the  face,  as  I  do. 

[GLAUCUS  is  gazing  at  CIRCE  admiringly.] 

ELPENOR 

He  might  see 
That  brass  snake  on  her  arm. 

GLAUCUS 

He  would  abhor 
The  arm  worse  than  the  serpent. 

CIRCE 

Is  then  my  arm 
So  frightful? 

THERON 
The  arm  's  all  right,  ma'am  ;  but  there  's  something 

wrong 
About  Eurylochus. 

CIRCE 
So  ;  Eurylochus  is  your  leader? 

[72] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 

GLAUCUS 

Only  a  bit 

Backward  about  leading,  when  he  scents 
A  woman  in  the  wind. 

CIRCE 

And  he  would  fear 

Us  hospitable  maidens? — and,  we  trust, 
Of  aspect  not  forbidding. 

THERON 

O,  it 's  all  one 

About  the  aspect.  You  could  tree  him,  ma'am, 
As  quick  as  the  giant's  daughter. 

CIRCE 

The  giant's  daughter? 

THERON 

Yes,  ma'am  ;  we  landed  lately  on  a  lot 
Of  bloody  cannibals — this  big  gal  first ; 
And  Eurylochus  took  to  a  tree. 

ELPENOR 
[Pointing  to  PHORBAS]  He  climb'd  up  too. 

[731 


CIRCE 


CIRCE 
What !  does  your  friend  fear  women  also? 

THERON 

O  no,  ma'am.  Phorb  's  a  trifle  timid  like, 
Whether  it 's  a  he  or  she.  You  see,  it 's  this  way  : 
Phorb  was  a-fear'd,  because  she  was  so  large ; 
And  Eurylochus,  because  she  was  a  lady. 

CIRCE 
She  was  a  lady  then? 

PHORBAS 

She  laid  out  Theron 
When  he  made  up  to  her. 

THERON 

I  had  half  a  mind 
To  make  pork  chop  o'  the  bloomin'  hussy  ! — Ye 

gods  ! 

This  meat-knife  here  does  hang  plumb  heavy 
For  an  after-dinner  appendage. 

[He  detaches  the  cleaver  from  his  belt  and  lays  it  on 
the  table,  at  the  same  time  loosening  the  belt.] 

[74] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


I  don't  want 

The  dang'd  thing  dangling  at  my  haunches  when 
The  dancing  begins. 

ELPENOR 

When  does  it  begin,  Theron? 

THERON 

Split  me  if  I  know  !  There  's  a  raft  more  drinks 
On  the  tapis  yet. 

CIRCE 

My  friends,  I  shall  soon  show  you 
A  new  dance  call'd  the  four-step. 

SEVERAL  VOICES 

Hi,  hi !  Hip,  hip  !  [They  pound  on  the  table  with  their 
cups.] 

THERON 

Ha,   ha  !  The  four-step ;  two-and-two  two-step  : 
That  means  partners  ! 

[He  leers  again  at  PHILINNA,  drains  his  cup  and 

[75] 


CIRCE 


waves  it  toward  her. — Other  men  seem  to  pay  in 
creased  attention  to  the  nymphs  serving  them.} 


GLAUCUS 

[Admiringly,   but   unsteadily]    Do    you    dance   it, 
madam,  yourself? 


CIRCE 
O  no  ;  but  Mikkos  knows  it. 

[Here  the  ape  slowly  raises  himself  by  the  hands  until 
all  four  extremities  rest  upon  the  arms  of  the  chair, 
remaining  a  moment  or  two  in  this  position  before 
lowering  himself.] 

THERON 

Would  you  mind,  ma'am, 
Letting  that  there  young  miss  step  over  here  to 

take 
The  place  of  this  one? 

He  points  to  PHILINNA  and  indicates  THERMIA 
behind  him  with  his  left  thumb  over  the  shoulder.] 

[76] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


ELPENOR 
[Parenthetically]  Don't  take  her  away  ! 

CIRCE 

A  moment,  sir  ;  I  have  some  present  need  of  her. 
One  choicest  cordial  I  have  not  yet  brought 
To  your  attention.  In  my  island  only 
The  vintage  can  be  stored. — A  jar,  Philinna  ; 
Here  on  my  table. 

PHILINNA 

Do  you  mean,  my  lady, 
The  wine  which  for  ourselves  alone  we  press? 

CIRCE 
Yes,  child ;  these  are  no  e very-day  arrivals  ;  go  ! 

[PHILINNA  goes  out  at  Right  2.  The  other  nymphs 
present,  except  MYRTO  and  THERMIA,  leave  the  room 
quietly  and  unobservedly,  closing  the  Left  central  door. 
THERON'S  song  begins  as  PHILINNA  disappears.  The 
refrain  and  chorus  are  joined  in  by  all  the  men  except 
ELPENOR  and  PHORBAS,  who  look  at  each  other  and 
laugh.] 

[77] 


CIRCE 


THERON 

[Sings;  still  looking  toward  the  door  where  PHILINNA 
went  out.] 
It  was  a  stout  sailor  who  cook'd  for  the  crew ; 

ALL 
Sing  yo,  heave  yo  ! 

THERON 
A-shedding  salt  tears  while  he  season'd  the  stew. 

ALL 

A-shedding  salt  tears  while  he  season'd  the  stew. 
Sing  yo,  heave  yo,  on  the  briny  ! 

THERON 
Salt  tears  for  the  sweetheart  that  jilted  him  last ; 

ALL 
Sing  yo,  heave  yo  ! 

THERON 

And  the  onions  he  peel'd  made  'em  fall  thick  and 
fast. 

ALL 

And  the  onions  he  peel'd  made  'em  fall  thick  and 
fast. 

Sing  yo,  heave  yo,  on  the  briny  ! 

[781 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


CIRCE 

[To   GLAUCUS]   Would   that   song    paralyze    your 
leader,  sir? 

GLAUCUS 
The  allusion  would  prick  him,  madam ;  depend 

upon  it. — 

[Turning  to  THERON]  One  more,  Thee, — till  she  's 
back  with  the  bitters. 

THERON 

[Sings]  One  fine  morning  the  pudding-bag  busted 
a  flap ; 

ALL 
Sing  yo,  heave  yo  ! 

THERON 

So  he  boil'd  the  noon  mess  in  his  greasy  cook's  cap. 
[Here  THERON  takes  his  cap  from  his  head  and  lays 
it  over  a  plate.] 

ALL 

So  he  boil'd  the  noon  mess  in  his  greasy  cook's  cap. 
Sing  yo,  heave  yo,  on  the  briny  ! 

THERON 

"  For  God's  sake,"  cried  the  captain,  "  what 's 
struck  the  plum-duff?  " 

[79] 


CIRCE 

ALL 
Sing  yo,  heave  yo  ! 


THERON 
"  We  don't  need  hogs'  bristles  to  flavor  the  stuff  !  " 

ALL 

"  We  don't  need  hogs'  bristles  to  flavor  the  stuff  !  " 
Sing  yo,  heave  yo,  on  the  briny  ! 

[With  the  last  chorus  PHILINNA  re-enters  bearing  a 
punch-bowl  of  elegant  pattern,  smaller  than  the  one 
on  the  sideboard  at  the  opposite  end  of  the  room.  She 
places  the  bowl  upon  the  table  before  CIRCE,  while  the 
men  become  silent  as  they  look  on.\ 

MYRTO 
My  lady,  may  Mikkos  have  a  drop? 

[At  these  words  the  ape  begins  to  draw  himself  up  by 
the  hands  again.  CIRCE  nods  assent  to  MYRTO.] 

CIRCE 
Philinna  ! 

[PHILINNA  fills  a  cup  from  the  bowl  and  hands  it  to 

[80] 


THE     FIRST    ACT 


the  ape.  She  also  sets  a  small  cup  of  wine  before 
CIRCE.  Mikkos  drains  the  beaker,  holding  it  with 
both  hands  and  throwing  his  head  very  far  back;  and 
while  the  eyes  of  all  the  men  are  directed  toward  him 
with  amused  attention  CIRCE,  opening  a  very  small 
silver  casket  that  hangs  at  her  girdle,  takes  a  fine 
powder  therefrom  and  quickly  throws  it  into  the 
boid.  She  draws  the  wand  nearer  to  her  hand.] 

CIRCE 
Thermia  ! 

[At  the  word,  THERMIA  passes  up  to  CIRCE'S  table 
and  she  and  PHILINNA,  filling  pitchers  from  CIRCE'S 
bowl,  proceed  to  refill  the  cups  of  the  banqueters  in 
regular  order,  THERMIA  from  left  to  right,  PHILINNA 
from  right  to  left.  Then  as  they  meet  at  the  centre 
both  the  nymphs  retire  together  to  the  extreme  Right 
near  CIRCE.  Meanwhile  the  sombre  figure  of  GRAEA 
the  Swine-maiden  is  discovered  lurking  in  the  cor 
ridor  behind  the  Right  central  doorway.] 

CIRCE 

[Raising  her  cup]  To  the  health  of  your  backward 
leader,  my  brave  guests  ! 

r    ^-»*     i 


81 


CIRCE 


GLAUCUS 
[Half-rising;   unsteadily]    Out,   out !    To    hostess, 

hostess  !  Here  's  to  hostess  ! 

[All  drink;  and  the  effects  of  the  drug  straightway 
become  apparent.  An  expression  of  stupefaction  and 
horror  passes  over  the  faces  of  the  men.  They  look  at 
each  other  vacantly  with  forced  smiles;  their  heads 
and  arms  sway  and  droop;  they  swing  round  in 
their  seats  and  are  evidently  unconscious  of  their 
situation.  At  the  first  symptoms  of  this  delirium  the 
Enchantress  rises  deliberately  from  her  throne,  wand 
in  hand;  and  gliding  along  the  line  toward  the  Left 
taps  lightly  and  quickly  each  man  with  the  wand 
without  pausing  in  her  course.  Then  she  steps  upon 
the  dais.] 

CIRCE 

[Sternly;  with  wand  pointed  upward  and  back 
toward  the  Right  centre] 

Hence  to  the  sty  !  your  proper  shapes  assume  ! 
[Directly  GRAEA,  who  during  CIRCE'S  movements  has 
stridden  noiselessly  into  the  room  and  has  passed 
along  its  edge  behind  THERMIA  and  PHILINNA  and 
the  Enchantress9  throne  until  in  front  of  the  other 
table  near  the  point  where  PHORBAS  sits,  raises  her 

[82] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


long  whip  and  cracks  it  fiercely  with  sharp  detonation 
at  the  men's  feet.  In  a  huddle  they  rush  tumultuously 
away  with  drooping  heads  and  arms  to  the  open  rear 
doorway  and  out  through  it,  passing  in  front  of 
MYRTO  and  her  wheel  and  followed  by  GRAEA  lash 
ing  furiously .  Some  of  the  fugitives,  as  they  drop  on 
all  fours  near  the  exit,  are  seen  to  have  already 
developed  curly  pigs'  tails  at  their  posteriors.  As  the 
victims  rush  forth  Mikkos  springs  upon  the  empty 
throne  of  CIRCE  and  balancing  himself  upon  its  arms 
gazes  intently  into  the  bowl  on  the  table  before  him, 
while  MYRTO  sets  her  wheel  revolving  and  humming 
loudly.  The  drop-curtain  falls  just  as  the  door  closes 
behind  the  herd  and  GRAEA  disappearing  over  the 
corridor.] 

The  several  positions  at  the  fall  of  the  curtain  are  as  follows  : 
CIRCE  stands  upon  the  dais  with  wand  raised  in  the  attitude 
described.  MYRTO  sits  at  her  wheel,  which  turns  more  and 
more  slowly  as  the  curtain  descends.  PHILINNA  and  THERMIA 
stand  near  the  boudoir,  still  holding  their  pitchers,  the  hand 
of  one  girl  resting  on  the  other's  shoulder.  Mikkos,  poised 
upon  CIRCE'S  chair,  his  head  lower  than  his  tail,  pores 
intently  over  the  punch-bowl.  No  person  exhibits  signs  of 
amusement  or  excitement  of  any  sort.  Their  faces  are  serene, 
their  figures  motionless.  The  wheel  comes  to  a  standstill  just 
as  the  descending  curtain  hides  it. 

[83] 


CIRCE 


VII 

The  same  as  Scenes  III  and  V.  The  Seashore.  EURYLOCHUS 
is  still  seated  on  the  stone  by  the  ship,  gloomy  and  dejected. 
The  other  men  stand  in  a  group  not  far  from  him,  apparently 
discussing  some  serious  proposal. 

FIRST  SAILOR 

Anyway  he  ordered  us  to  stay  here  and  guard  the 
ship. 

PHILEMON 

Just  so  ;  I  believe  in  obeying  orders  myself ;  but, 
lads,  this  is  an  extraordinary  case. 

SECOND  SAILOR 

A  case  it  is  !  But  the  commander  's  equal  to  it  I 
reckon. 

XENIAS 

The  commander  's  equal  to  anything  on  a  square 
deal.  But  it 's  odds  here  against  one  man ; 
he  '11  need  help  if  the  land  lies  the  way  the 
mate  makes  it  out. 

EURYLOCHUS 

[Turning  and  facing  the  others  without  rising] 
Are  ye  all  mad,  and  will  not  lay  to  heart 

[84] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


The  sights  and  sounds  of  foul  bedevilment 
Haunting  this  cursed  island?  Will  ye  follow 
Into  the  pit  the  steps  of  that  rash  man, 
Foolhardy  Ulysses? — the  same  who  prick'd  us  on 
To  explore  the  ogre's  cavern,  where  six  brave  men 
Were  sever'd  limbmeal  and  devour'd  ! 

SEVERAL  VOICES 
Out !  out ! 

XENIAS 

Bother  the  ogre  !  The  commander  's  started  now  to 
pull  half  the  ship's  company  out  of  a  hole  and 
if  a  human  subject  could  compass  the  busi 
ness  he  's  it.  But  if  there  's  a  dash  of  witch 
craft  here,  we  ought  to  be  with  him  and 
shoulder  our  share. 

FIRST  SAILOR 
Ay,  ay  !  that 's  the  talk  ! 

EURYLOCHUS 

What  signifies  mere  number,  when  mortal  wills 
Clash  with  uncanny  spirits?  It  is  all  over 
With  him  and  them  ! — We  are  enough  to  row 
Our  galley  launch 'd  and  from  these  shores  deliver'd. 

[85] 


CIRCE 


SEVERAL  VOICES 
Ho,  shame  !  shame  ! 

PHILEMON 

Mark  my  words,  lads  ;  if  the  other  fellows  have 
got  to  trot  round  in  wolf  and  tiger  skins 
we  're  bound  to  go  on  all  fours  along  with  'em 
and  not  leave  'em  in  the  lurch.  If  the  com 
mander  's  beating  his  way  back  we  shall  meet 
him  on  the  trip ;  if  he  is  n't,  he  '11  need  help 
for  certain.  We  '11  walk  into  that  domicile, 
witch  or  no  witch  ! 

SECOND  SAILOR 
Take  her  by  storm  ! 

SEVERAL  VOICES 
Right,  right !  Come  on  !  come  on  ! 

XENIAS 

Eurylochus  here  '11  stand  shipguard.  He  won't 
shove  her  off  all  alone  I  reckon. 

PHILEMON 
Take  up  your  traps  now  !  Lively  ! 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


[The  men  stir  about,  making  ready  for  their  departure.] 

Here  we  go  ! 

[They  march  away  briskly,  going  out  as  the  other 
party  and  ULYSSES  had  gone.  PHILEMON  leads; 
XENIAS  brings  up  the  rear,  watchfully.] 

XENIAS 
[Turning  back,  at  the  last  moment] 

Don't  let  her  fly  away,  old  man ; 
If  you  hear  hell  howling,  it 's  us  ! 

[As  the  party  disappears  EURYLOCHUS  with  a 
gesture  of  despair  flings  himself  down  by  the  keel  of 
the  vessel.] 


[87 


CIRCE 


VIII 

A  grove  upon  sloping  ground  near  CIRCE'S  palace.  Large 
trees  cast  deep  shadows  with  sunny  spaces  between.  The 
mansion  itself  is  not  visible ;  but  on  the  Left  at  some  eleva 
tion  a  glimpse  is  afforded  of  the  court-yard  wall.  A  faint 
pathway  amid  shrubbery  winds  from  the  Right  front  upward 
and  out  on  the  Left  at  the  rear. 

Enter  ULYSSES  at  the  Right,  tracing  the  path  slowly  and 
cautiously.  Perceiving  the  wall  above  and  before  him  he 
pauses,  moves  his  right  hand  involuntary  toward  his  sword- 
hilt  and  lifts  the  left  to  his  lips  meditatively.  While  he  thus 
stands  reconnoitering  and  pondering,  MERCURY  suddenly 
appears  before  him,  stepping  noiselessly  from  the  shadow  of  a 
tree  upon  the  Left.  At  this  apparition  ULYSSES  draws  back 
an  instant  with  head  slightly  bowed,  while  his  hand  leaves 
the  sword  and  is  lifted  to  a  reverential  gesture.  The  demeanor 
of  MERCURY  is  easy  and  gracious.  His  insignia,  though 
plainly  recognizable,  are  less  conspicuous  and  brilliant  than 
they  appeared  in  Scene  II. 

MERCURY 
[Taking  the  up-lifted  hand  of  Ulysses] 

Whither  now,  fate-worn  wanderer,  whither  tending 
Thread'st  thou  the  dim  paths  of  this  briery  steep? 
What  region  holds  thee  or  perchance  what  guile 
Lurks  in  its  mazy  folds,  wouldst  thou  not  prove  ?  - 
Ere  to  that  dome  ascending,  where  in  foul  sties 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


Thy  luckless  comrades  grovel  now  and  groan, 

To  swinish  shape  by  the  enchantress  changed  ! 

[As  the  god  speaks  he  withdraws  his  hand  and 
indicates  the  direction  of  the  palace.  ULYSSES  recoils 
slightly  at  the  last  words  of  MERCURY.] 

One  only,  so  minded  that  in  Circe's  song 
He  read  the  bane  it  glozed,  did  value  well 
His  safety  and  proclaim'd  their  loss.  —  Whom  thou 
Aimest  forsooth  to  rescue  and  redeem  ! 
Rather  methinks  the  porcine  couch  to  share 
With  them  and  vanish  from  men,  came  not 
Some  guardian  hand  between.  —  But  lo  !  there  grows 
An  antidote  —  a  good  drug,  that  shall  check 
The  baleful  magic  of  her  potions. 

[MERCURY  pulls  from  the  ground,  moving  aside  the 
undergrowth  which  concealed  it,  a  small  plant  and 
shows  it  to  ULYSSES.] 

See! 

Black  at  the  root,  milk-white  the  flower  ;  't  is  moly: 
So  to  the  immortals  known  ;  of  men,  scarce  found. 

[ULYSSES  receives  the  herb  from  the  hand  of  the  god 
with  an  air  of  profound  attention  and  a  shade  of 
wonder.] 

[89] 


C3  CIRCE 


Now  may  thy  steps  to  yon  weird  mansion  mount 
And  tread  its  halls  unscathed,  Ulysses,  if 
My  mandate  thou  shalt  heed  and  ponder  well. 

[ULYSSES  shifts  his  attentive  regard  from  the  plant 
in  his  hand  to  the  speaker.] 

Her  song  will  thrill  thee,  but  the  transforming  spell 
Shall  break  before  the  potent  herb  thou  boldest. 
Undaunted  wilt  thou  enter  ;  nor  be  shamed 
If  thy  quick  pulses  bound  when  Circe's  glance 
Encounters  thine,  and  the  soft  audible  charm 
Of  low- voiced  invitation  laps  thee  round. 
Thou  may'st  admire  and  still  be  master.  Straight 
With  her  own  hand  a  fragrant  wine-cup  filling, 
When  by  her  side  she  thrones  thee,  she  will  proffer 
And  bid  thee  drink — it  is  the  poison'd  chalice. 
Yet  quaff  thou  undismay'd,  Ulysses.  Then, 
So  soon  't  is  swallow'd  and  thyself  unchanged, 
Her  magic  wand  wielded  in  vain,  draw  thou 
Swiftly  thy  sword  and  rush  as  if  to  slay 
At  the  enchantress  with  high-threatening  blade. 

[ULYSSES'  look  of  wonderment  increases  as  MERCURY 
pauses.} 

The  issue  thou  wilt  mark.  But  let  not  pity 
Nor  the  new  spell  of  female  blandishment 

[90] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


O'ercome  thy  senses  or  disarm  thy  hand, 

Ere  to  its  mastery  yet  once  more  she  yields 

And  their  true  forms  to  thy  changed  mates  restores. 

ULYSSES 

O  gracious  Helper,  it  is  thy  spirit  that  guides 
Where  eye  of  mortal  swerves  :  to  whom  full  oft 
We  pour'd  thank-offering  at  the  banquet's  close. 

MERCURY 

Who  himself  well  bethinks,  the  gods  assist. 
Of  drugs  and  arts  uncanny  mere  human  prudence 
Compasseth  not,  Ulysses,  sure  defeat. — 
But  in  her  craft  once  baffled,  't  is  with  the  woman, 
No  more  the  enchantress,  thou  wilt  deal  thereafter. 
Nor  are  those  powers  to  be  despised,  which  oft 
Compel  a  conqueror's  fealty  and  confuse 
The  sober  aims  of  confident  wisdom. 
[While  ULYSSES  again  looks  down  reflectively  at  the 
plant    he    holds    MERCURY    suddenly    disappears. 
ULYSSES,  looking  up  and  seeing  the  god  no  longer, 
throws  a  keen  glance  in  the  direction  of  the  wall.  He 
then  tastes  and  swallows  a  morsel  of  the  herb;  and  as 
he  moves  on  and  goes  out  at  the  Left  with  firm  step 
the  music  of  CIRCE'S  song  is  faintly  heard  behind 
the  scenes.} 

[91] 


CIRCE 


IX 

The  same  as  Scenes  II  and  IV.  The  banquet-hall.  The  com 
mon  chairs  have  been  removed.  There  are  cups  and  a  bowl 
on  the  table  at  the  Right.  The  Enchantress  and  her  three 
nymphs  are  in  their  usual  places  when  the  curtain  rises  : 
CIRCE  sitting ;  PHILINNA  and  THERMIA  standing ;  MYRTO 
seated  at  her  wheel  which  she  turns  slowly.  The  attitude  of 
the  persons  is  one  of  expectancy.  In  a  moment  CIRCE,  without 
turning  her  face,  signs  to  MYRTO  with  her  left  hand  while 
with  the  right  she  draws  the  wand  on  the  table  nearer.  The 
wheel  ceases  to  revolve. 

CIRCE 
Now  Thermia  ! 

[THERMIA  throws  open  the  door  behind  the  dais.  An 
instant  later  ULYSSES  enters,  slowly  but  unhesitatingly, 
pausing  as  he  stands  on  the  platform  exactly  where 
MERCURY  stood  in  Scene  II.  His  look  is  directed 
straight  at  the  Enchantress.  His  right  arm  is  crossed 
downward  upon  his  breast,  the  hand  under  the 
mantle.  A  trace  of  wonder  or  fascination  passes  over 
his  face  on  meeting  CIRCE'S  gaze,  while  a  similar 
feeling  of  surprise  is  for  a  moment  betrayed  by  her 
also.  As  she  speaks  she  rises  from  her  chair.] 


92] 


THE     FIRST     ACT      C3 

CIRCE 

Welcome,  sir  leader  ! 

[ULYSSES  bows  slightly.  He  does  not  remove  his 
helmet.] 

Thou  art 

Too  far  by  thine  own  men  outstripp'd,  even  though 
Their  famish'd  weary  members  sought  repose 
Prompt  and  appropriate. 

[ULYSSES  bends  his  look  more  sternly  upon  the 
speaker.] 

Pray  advance  ;  and  take 
From  our  own  hand,  though  proffer'd  late, 
Cordial  refreshment. 

[He  moves  slowly  forward.  PHILINNA  draws  well 
back  the  throne  of  CIRCE  and  presents  the  other  one. 
With  a  gracious  gesture  CIRCE  waves  ULYSSES  toward 
the  second  throne.  He  passes  in  front  of  her  and  seats 
himself.  She  sits  again,  served  by  PHILINNA.] 

Thy  silence  augurs  much 
Of  rude  unfriendly  greetings  and  rebuff 
Elsewhere. 
[While  speaking  she  fills  a  beaker  from  the  bowl.] 

But  here  are  restful  words  and  welcome 
Right  hospitable. 

[93] 


CIRCE 


[Her  right  hand  closes  firmly  over  the  wand,  while 
with  the  left  she  presents  the  cup.] 

So  drink  and  be  at  peace  ! 

[Still  keeping  his  eye  fixed  upon  CIRCE,  ULYSSES 
raises  the  cup  to  his  lips  and  drains  it.  Immediately 
the  gracious  look  of  the  Enchantress  changes.  Rising 
partly  in  her  seat  and  bending  forward,  she  strikes 
him  smartly  with  her  wand  and  holds  it  threateningly 
as  she  speaks.] 

CIRCE 
Hence  to  the  sty  !  Go,  join  thy  wallowing  mates  ! 

[Instantly,  feeling  that  the  potion  has  not  harmed 
him,  ULYSSES  springs  erect,  swiftly  draws  his  sword 
and  raising  it  aloft  rushes  upon  the  Enchantress  as 
if  to  kill  her.  With  a  loud  cry  she  starts  back,  causing 
the  throne  to  slide  away  behind  her;  then  dropping 
her  wand  she  springs  forward  under  the  threatening 
sword-arm  in  suppliant  attitude.  PHILINNA,  at  first 
shrinking  back  in  terror,  directly  as  CIRCE  falls  at 
ULYSSES'  feet  follows  her;  and  kneeling,  shelters  her 
mistress9  head  with  her  right  arm,  while  the  left  is 
raised  in  deprecating  gesture.  At  the  same  time 
THERMIA  starts  a  step  forward  with  her  right  hand 

[941 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


lifted,  the  left  pressed  to  her  bosom.  MYRTO,  after  a 
first  look  of  alarm,  reaches  behind  her  and  throws 
open  the  Left  rear  door,  where  Mikkos  appears.  He 
seems  excited.  MYRTO  seizes  his  chain.  At  the  Right 
rear  entrance,  GRAEA  is  seen  glaring  furtively  into 
the  room. — CIRCE  speaks  as  ULYSSES  seems  to 
hesitate  to  strike  the  fatal  blow.] 

CIRCE 

What  man  art  thou?  What  mortal  hath  this  wonder 
Unheard  of  wrought,  these  potions  to  abide? 
For  never,  never  did  other  lips  unblighted 
Press  the  drugg'd  bowl,   save  thine  ! — Ah,  yes  ; 

't  was  true  : 

Ulysses  thou  art,  whom  Mercury  foretold, 
From  Trojan  field  thy  lone  bark  homeward  steering. 
He,  he  hath  found  thee  moly  !  And  I  thought 
It  were  Eurylochus,  whom  his  followers  named  ; 
The  craven,  the  woman-hater  ! 

[ULYSSES  lowers  his  weapon,  still  grasping  it  firmly. 
His  stern  look  relaxes  slightly  as  CIRCE  and  PHILINNA, 
kneeling,  lift  their  faces  to  him  with  aspect  softened 
to  the  expression  of  pleading.  THERMIA  steps  nearer, 
intently  observing  the  scene;  while  GRAEA,  entering 

[951 


CIRCE 


the  room,  and  MYRTO,  holding  Mikkos'  chain,  also 
move  slightly  forward.  At  this  juncture  all  of  the 
persons  have  come  to  form  nearly  a  single  group.] 

CIRCE 

O  Ulysses  ! 

Thrice  valiant,  thrice  in  wisdom  proved,  not  thee 
Would  Circe  in  foul  brutal  shape  behold  ; 
But    as    thou    art ! — Return,    return    thy    sword 
To  its  safe  cover  ! 

[ULYSSES  steps  back  a  pace,  and  CIRCE  rises  to  her 
feet,  holding  the  hand  O/PHILINNA  who  has  risen  first.] 

What  use  have  we  for  war, 
Whom  fate  and  fortune  fashion'd  to  be  friends? 

[With  deliberation  ULYSSES  sheathes  his  sword, 
falling  back  still  farther.  CIRCE  and  PHILINNA 
move  forward  toward  him.] 

THERMIA 

Happy  are  they  who  find  a  friend  in  Circe, 
Sir  stranger  ! 

[His  countenance  remains  unmoved  as  he  divides  his 
attention  between  CIRCE  and  THERMIA  after  a 
suspicious  glance  at  Mikkos  and  GRAEA.] 

[961 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


CIRCE 
Nay,  doubt  not,  but  be  refresh'd  ! 

[She  signs  to  THERMIA,  who  shows  ULYSSES  to  the 
throne  which  MERCURY  had  occupied  in  Scene  II. 
As  he  sits  he  doffs  his  helmet,  which  THERMIA  receives 
and  hangs  upon  the  wall.  CIRCE  resumes  her  seat. 
She  speaks  while  THERMIA  serves  ULYSSES  at  the 
other  table.] 

And  be  thy  mind  at  rest.  No  more  of  drifting 
On  the  dark  seas  ;  sure  knowledge  shall  illume 
The  pathways  of  thy  homeward  voyage,  Ulysses. 

[A  pause.  With  troubled  look  he  barely  tastes  what 
is  set  before  him.] 

Ah,  weary  heart !  why  thus 

Sit'st  thou  all-speechless,  tasting  not  the  food 

Set  guileless  by  thy  hand?  Believ'st  thou  not 

My  plain  assurance  and  changed  mood?  Dost  hold 

The  word  of  Circe  in  no  honor  because 

With  cunning  art  she  baffles  and  disarms 

The  unworthy  false  petitioner? 

ULYSSES 

Fair  Circe,  dread  enchantress,  what  true  man 
Could  eat  and  be  at  comfort,  whilst  he  knows 

[97] 


CIRCE 


His  trusty  comrades  lie  imprison'd,  bent  low 
To  bestial  habit? — Nay,  if  thy  alter'd  mien 
Harbors  indeed  the  good-will  it  portends, 
Then  first  let  me  behold  my  men  restored 
To  their  own  shapes.  No  falsehood  stamp'd  their 

errand, 
Nor  undeserving  were  they  in  themselves. 

CIRCE 

Deserve  those  well  of  their  commander,  who  lose 
His  very  name  and  tidings  from  their  thoughts? 

ULYSSES 

Another  led  them  ;  and,  the  leader  failing, 
The  follower  who  forgets  may  be  forgiven. 

CIRCE 
Eurylochus  wins  slight  mercy  by  that  word. 

ULYSSES 
Eurylochus  won  the  birthright  of  the  wary. 

CIRCE 

A  father  art  thou  to  thy  men,  Ulysses  : 
Even  as  I  guard  with  jealous  motherly  eye 

1981 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


The  welfare  of  these  nymphs.  Nor  hast  thou  long 

To  wait,  ere  the  whole  frolic  throng  shall  make 

My  portals  ring  with  greetings  of  their  captain. 

Not  those  alone  whom  we  repress'd  and  punish'd 

And  for  thy  sake  will  pardon,  but  likewise  they 

Who  tarry  by  the  shore — for  well  I  know 

Wily  Ulysses  staked  not  all  his  forces 

On  a  forlorn  wild  venture. — Nay,  doubt  not ; 

Even  Eurylochus  shall  be  reconciled  ! 

Go,  Graea  ;  Myrto  ;  seek  the  ship,  and  teach  them 

The  way  to  find  us.  Leave  not  one  unbidden  ! 

ULYSSES 

Great  Circe,  I  will  trust  thee ;  't  is  sore  need  ! 
By  thy  sage  guidance,  or  in  no  wise,  we  reach 
The  desired  haven. 

CIRCE 

[To  MYRTO  and  GRAEA  who  have  hesitated  as  if 
awaiting  further  command.  They  go  out  at  Right  C, 
accompanied  by  Mikkos.] 

Speed  now  !  the  shadow  creeps 
Well  past  the  noontide  mark.  Away,  away  ! — 
Noble  Ulysses,  thou  shalt  soon  behold  them. — 
But  first,  my  Thermia,  show  our  gracious  guest 

[99] 


CIRCE 


The  bathing  chambers,  where  by  warm  showers 

assuaged 
His  long  sea-weariness  may  release  him. 

[ULYSSES  bows  to  CIRCE.  He  unslings  his  sword, 
which  THERMIA  receives  and  hangs  up  near  the 
helmet.  She  then  conducts  him  out  at  Left  2.  At  the 
same  moment  when  ULYSSES  puts  off  his  sword, 
PHILINNA  lifts  CIRCE'S  wand  from  the  floor  where  it 
had  fallen.] 

PHILINNA 

[Handing  the  wand  to  CIRCE,  who  receives  it  as  it 
were  unconsciously] 

0  dearest  lady  ! 

What  chance,  what  change  befalls  us?  O  !  how  dared 
That  strange,  still  man  to  lift  his  dreadful  sword 
As  if  to  kill  you?  Are  his  devices  stronger 
Than  your  own  arts?  O,  how  could  you  pretend 
To  cherish  and  befriend  him  ! 

CIRCE 

Nay,  Philinna  : 

1  am  not  feigning.  Oft  had  I  mused  and  ponder'd 
On  Mercury's  warning  and  Ulysses'  name. 

[100] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


Nor  did  I  dread  his  coming.  But  strange  haps 

Disturb'd  my  vision  and  I  knew  him  not. 

My  potions  could  indeed  avail  no  longer, 

Their  cure  and  antidote  once  found.  Yet  never 

Into  unworthy  hands  do  gods  resign 

Their  priceless  secrets.  No  ;  I  would  not  harm 

A  man  so  strong  and  wise  !  It  is  the  first ! — 

Now  go,  Philinna,  and  lay  my  simples  ready, 

Which  for  the  counter-charm  I  shall  employ, 

To  change  his  comrades  back. 

[PHILINNA,  who  looks  wonderingly  at  CIRCE  and 
seems  hardly  to  comprehend  her  demeanor,  withdraws 
slowly,  going  out  at  Right  2.  CIRCE  casts  a  glance 
where  ULYSSES  had  gone  out;  then,  looking  down  at 
the  wand  held  loosely  in  her  hand,  soliloquizes.] 

Yes,  yes  ;  there  is 

No  falsehood  on  the  lip,  when  the  heart  guides 
To  new  unwonted  utterance,  though  it  seem 
All  former  strains  and  strivings  to  belie. 
His  coming  I  fear'd  not ;  I  rather  craved 
To  behold  the  promised  visitor  whose  shrewd  wit 
Should  test  my  powers  of  magic  and  perchance 
Turn  them  (as  hath  befallen)  from  woe  to  weal 

[101] 


CIRCE 


For  him  and  his.  Yet  till  I  saw  I  doubted  ; 
Nor  knew,  first  seeing. 

[She  clasps  her  hands  at  her  back,  holding  the  wand 
behind  her.] 

O,  there  is  a  way 

Surer  than  any  drug,  to  bind  wise  hearts  ! 
Wielding  no  wand  of  transformation,  but 
With  fine  invisible  weapons  to  o'ercome 
His  might  who  seems  to  conquer  ;  and  reveal 
What  weakness  lurks  beneath.  And  Circe's  arts 
(Which  sooner  aim  to  hinder  than  to  harm) 
Shall  still  fail  not ! 

[Re-enter  THERMIA,  who  begins  to  put  the  table  in 
order  where  ULYSSES  had  been  served.] 

Fair  Thermia,  we  shall  need 
Straightway  new-garnish'd  tables  and  the  plenty 
Of  a  redoubled  evening  banquet.  Soon 
That  eager  company,  Myrto's  charge,  will  troop 
Past  porch  and  threshold  to  the  expected  board — 
Not  indisposed,  I  fancy,  toward  such  welcome. — 
Ay,  forthwith,  Thermia  ! 

[THERMIA  sounds  a  whistle  which  hangs  at  her  girdle, 
and  other  nymphs  enter  and  proceed  to  deck  the  tables.] 

[102] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


Even  our  guest,  their  captain, 
Will  find  his  zest,  when  in  good  sooth  he  sees 
His  two  ship-companies  made  one. — Ah,  there  ; 
Even  now  they  come  ! 

[A  clambering  and  murmur  are  heard.  The  door 
leading  from  the  porch  flies  open,  and  ULYSSES' 
company,  headed  by  PHILEMON  and  XENIAS,  enter 
precipitately,  though  not  in  rude  disorder,  their 
faces  beaming  with  the  excitement  of  wonder  and 
expectancy.  CIRCE  stands  at  her  usual  place,  holding 
the  ivand  with  her  hands  clasped  in  front  of  her,  and 
PHILINNA  appears  at  the  door  behind.  THERMIA  and 
her  helpers  desist  from  their  task  at  the  tables  as  the 
men  enter,  and  draw  back  near  the  exits.  The  nymphs 
stand  motionless  and  placid  during  the  remainder  of 
the  scene,  taking  no  part  in  the  action  and  unnoticed 
by  the  other  persons.] 

PHILEMON 

Madam,  we  're  a  bit  unceremonious,  no  doubt.  But 
our  errand  's  an  urgent  one  ;  and  we  encoun 
tered  an  invitation  after  a  manner,  if  there  be 
no  mistake  about  it. 

[103] 


CIRCE 


CIRCE 

All  ceremony  shall  be  waived,  good  sir.  What  hap 
Fosters  this  urgency? 

PHILEMON 

We  're  Ulysses*  men,  lady  !  come  to  seek  him  and 
deliver  him — by  your  leave.  He  cast  off  alone 
when  the  leader  of  the  other  watch  came  back 
from  here  in  such  a  blue  funk  ;  and  he  ordered 
us  to  wait  for  him  by  the  ship.  But  we  felt  a 
trifle  uneasy,  after  that  yarn  of  snakes  and 
fireworks  Eurylochus  spun  for  us,  and  fol 
lowed  to  help.  We  'd  nigh  about  made  the 
top,  when  we  met  your  two  maids,  ma'am, 
and  the  monkey.  We  knew  they  must  hail 
from  some  witch-pen  or  other  for  certain, 
when  we  spied  such  a  bunch  of  triplets,  and 
we  veered  off  a  point  or  two  at  first ;  but  the 
little  black-eyed  one — she  as  had  the  ape  in 
tow — spoke  us  so  fair  and  told  such  a  straight 
story,  how  the  commander  was  safe  and 
sound  and  everybody  happy  up  here,  and  you 
had  sent  specially  to  invite  us,  that  we  felt 
mighty  encouraged  to  believe  her  and  headed 

[104] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


straight  for  the  top  again,  while  they  went 
down  to  fetch  Eurylochus  ; — especially  seeing 
we  had  made  up  our  minds — begging  your 
pardon  again,  lady — to  effect  an  entrance 
anyway. —  But  where  is  he  ? 

CIRCE 

Your  entrance  had  been  barr'd  nowise,  when  once 
You  had  named  Ulysses — which  your  mates  forgot, 
And  came  to  grief  thereby. — But  you  shall  see  him. 
There  hangs  his  sword,  his  helm. 
He  comes  ;  he  has  heard  you  ! 

[ULYSSES  enters  at  Left  2  behind  the  group  of  men, 
who  turn  quickly.  His  appearance  is  imposing,  his 
dress  brilliant.] 

CIRCE 

For  me,  I  have  another 
Business  to  set  on  foot. — Philinna  ;  ready? 

[PHILINNA  signs  affirmatively,  and  as  ULYSSES  greets 
his  men  CIRCE  goes  out  at  Right  2,  PHILINNA  remain 
ing  at  the  doorway.] 

ULYSSES 
Xenias  !  good  Philemon  ! 

f  105] 


CIRCE 


[All  throng  about  their  commander  with  hand-shaking 
and  joyous  exclamations.] 

PHILEMON 

'T  is  you?  You  are  here,  sir? — and  all  right ! 
'T  was  a  true  tale,  then,  by  the  great  gods  ! 

ULYSSES 
Ah,  you  see  I  slipt  not. 

XENIAS 

But  it  was  n't  long  before  we  slipt  after  you  ! 
Mind  you,  sir,  we  did  n't  wait  for  the  sum 
mons. 

ULYSSES 
'T  was  a  pardonable  impatience,  I  acknowledge. 

[A  voice  raised  in  sharp  tone  of  command,  followed 
by  a  sudden  uproar,  is  heard  behind  the  scenes. 
CIRCE  enters  quickly  at  Right  C,  with  her  wand 
raised  high,  which  as  she  comes  in  she  lowers  and 
points  backward.  Both  the  rear  doors  fly  open.  In 
their  proper  persons  the  men  who  were  changed  to 
swine  burst  in  abruptly  upon  the  scene,  one  or  two  or 
three  at  a  time,  stopping  and  gazing  about  them  with 

f  106] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


puzzled  and  amazed  expression.  They  rub  their  eyes 
or  tap  their  foreheads,  till  gradually  recollecting  them 
selves  they  recognize  their  situation.  The  restored 
men  seem  to  have  gained  in  comeliness;  their  faces 
are  fresh,  their  clothing  is  new,  presenting  a  contrast 
to  the  well-worn  garments  of  the  other  party.  THERON 
appears  even  stouter  than  before;  his  cook's  cap  and 
dress  are  dazzling  white.  ELPENOR,  near  him,  has 
become  sleeker,  though  no  less  slender  than  ever.  All 
the  men  are  serious;  and  the  re-transformed 
exhibit  profound  emotion,  weeping  as  they  recognize 
their  companions  and  the  commander.  The  meeting 
is  an  occasion  rather  for  action  than  for  speech :  its 
words  are  chiefly  outcries  and  the  ejaculation  of 
familiar  names.  The  throng  becomes  more  calm  and 
quiet  when  the  Enchantress,  who  has  herself  been 
visibly  moved,  at  length  speaks,  standing  at  the  head 
of  her  table.] 

CIRCE 

Cease ;  cease,  good  men  !  Enough  of  tears  !  Yield 

now 
To  the  bright  hour ;  and  from  your  much-tried 

hearts 
Let  present  peace  and  comfort  rub  away 

[107] 


CIRCE 


The  black  unhandsome  stains  of  foul  mischance. 
Here  stand  ye  face  to  face  and  hand  to  hand, 
Unscathed,    unconquer'd.    Winds    and    wild    seas 

and  all 

The  weary  thankless  strain  of  laboring  oar, 
Duress  and  guile  and  hostile  rude  encounter, 
Have  but  conspired  to  point  you  to  the  fairest 
Of  restful  shores. — Ulysses,  in  good  time, 
After  due  respite,  if  thou  cravest  still 
Some  farther  convoy,  't  is  secure.  But  now 
Mirth,  pleasure,  shall  prevail. — Only  there  lacks 
Yet  one  I  would  fain  welcome,  though  himself 
Of  faint  reciprocation. 

ULYSSES 

Gracious  lady,  I  am  confident  that  Eurylochus 
will  conclude  to  join  us  when  once  informed 
of  our  situation  and  finding  himself  left 
permanently  alone. 

XENIAS 

Belike  he  may  take  to  the  woods,  your  honor,  when 
the  triplets  heave  in  sight. 

CIRCE 
O,  Mikkos  will  manage  that ! 

[108] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


ELPENOR 
Eurylochus  climbs  trees. 

THERON 

Avast  there  !  Mikkos  is  the  monkey.  Hast  left  thy 
memory  in  the  hog-pen,  boy? 

GLAUCUS 

[Who  has  been  on  the  lookout]  Sail  ho  !  They  are 
boarding  the  gangway  already,  ma'am. 

[Enter  from  the  porch  MYRTO,  leading  Mikkos  ;  then 
EURYLOCHUS  ;  GRAEA  behind  him.  The  mate  advances 
hesitatingly ,  but  is  closely  followed  up  by  the  swine- 
maiden.  As  he  perceives  ULYSSES  and  the  men  his 
expression  is  partly  of  relief,  partly  of  shamefaced- 
ness.  His  alarm  has  not  entirely  left  him,  but  he 
casts  shy  and  suspicious  glances  toward  CIRCE  while 
MYRTO  speaks.] 

MYRTO 

We  have  fetched  him,  my  lady,  though  I  believe 
he  never  would  have  been  caught  if  there  had 
not  been  three  of  us  together.  We  found  him 
down  by  the  little  bay  where  their  ship  is 
drawn  ashore ;  and  when  he  saw  us  he  started 

[109] 


CIRCE 


to  run  into  the  water.  But  Graea  waded  out 
farther  than  he  dared  to  go.  Then  he  climbed 
up  into  the  fig-tree ;  but  Mikkos  climbed  up 
still  higher,  so  he  had  to  come  down  directly 
where  I  was  standing  close  to  the  roots  of  it ; 
although  he  seemed  to  fear  me  the  most  of  all. 

ELPENOR 
[Interrupting]  You  turn  the  whirligig. 

MYRTO 

We  had  him  between  us  now,  where  he  could  n't 
get  away  ;  and  I  assured  him  the  captain  was 
safe,  and  told  him  how  we  had  just  met  a 
party  of  his  companions  and  invited  them  for 
you.  For  all  that  he  did  n't  want  to  come  ;  but 
Graea  stood  close  behind  him  and  kept  walk 
ing  until  we  got  him  here. 

[The  men  do  not  laugh  at  EURYLOCHUS,  though  some 
smile  faintly,  and  CIRCE  is  visibly  amused.] 

ULYSSES 

[Seriously]  Eurylochus,  all  is  well.  Be  thyself  again. 
Bygones  shall  be  bygones.  There  is  naught  to  fear. 

[no] 


THE     FIRST     ACT 


CIRCE 

Indeed,  sir,  it  is  as  your  commander  says.  There  is 
naught  to  fear ;  and  all  is  well,  now  that  you 
have  deigned  to  make  up  the  perfect  number 
of  my  company,  so  the  entertainment  may 
proceed.  The  tables  are  ready  garnished, 
waiting  for  the  viands  only.  You  shall  all 
find  seats. 

[All  the  men  except  EURYLOCHUS  seat  themselves 
in  a  quiet  and  orderly  manner  at  both  tables  with 
out  discrimination  of  the  two  watches.  ULYSSES 
sits  at  the  head  of  the  table  by  the  dais.  MYRTO 
and  GRAEA  have  withdrawn  to  the  back  of  the 
room.  CIRCE,  still  standing,  claps  her  hands 
and  the  nymphs  at  the  exits  disappear,  to  bring 
the  courses.] 

EURYLOCHUS 

You  make  occasional  exceptions  no  doubt,  madam  ; 
nevertheless  I  would  take  my  oath  upon  it 
that  that  was  once  a  man  ! 

[He  points  at  Mikkos,  who,  released  by  MYRTO,  has 
just  jumped  into  his  chair  by  CIRCE  as  she  seats  her 
self.  The  ape  shows  his  teeth  and  begins  to  raise 
himself  by  the  hands.] 

Fill! 


CIRCE 


CIRCE 

[Laughing]  That  was  a  manful  thinker  once.  Sit ; 
sit,  kind  sir  ! 

[The  curtain  falls  as  EURYLOCHUS  takes  his  seat 
near  ULYSSES  amid  a  buzz  of  merriment.] 


END  OF  FIRST  ACT 


112 


CIRCE 


TWO 

i 

HE  back  of  CIRCE'S  palace,  late  in  the 
afternoon,  one  year  later  than  the  occur 
rences  of  the  First  Act.  The  back  of  the 
building  lies  toward  the  setting  sun, 
whose  declining  rays  are  now  intercepted 
and  softened  into  shade  by  foliage  and 
flitting  clouds.  The  pale  yellow  walls  and 
tall  narrow  windows  and  the  one  central  entrance  on  this  side 
are  not  obscured  by  vines  and  trailing  plants,  but  cleanly 
sheltered  by  a  lofty  colonnade  which  runs  the  entire  length  of 
the  edifice,  with  wide  low  pavement  only  a  step  higher  than 
the  lawn  that  borders  it.  The  veranda-floor  and  the  plinth  are 
dewy  with  freshly  sprinkled  water.  The  green  sward  of  the 
foreground  is  varied  by  flower-beds  and  dotted  with  luxuriant 
trees,  a  bower  and  seats  near  by.  Here  there  is  no  fountain  ; 
but  a  streamlet,  issuing  from  an  archway  at  the  Right  corner 
of  the  palace,  winds  its  way  downward  across  the  flowery 
slope.  A  peacock  struts  and  spreads  his  fan  in  one  of  the  open 
places.  Some  utterances  of  persons  represented  indicate  that 
the  situation  affords  glimpses  of  the  sea. 
There  are  no  suggestions  of  witchcraft  or  magic  in  the  present 
scene.  Where  the  anterior  facade  of  the  palace  seemed 
weird  or  uncanny,  the  rear  elevation  and  its  belongings 
wear  rather  an  idyllic  aspect. 

The  curtain  rising  discovers  three  couples  severally  grouped. 
Upon  the  veranda,  at  the  Left,  CIRCE  and  ULYSSES  are  seated 

[113] 


CIRCE 


opposite  each  other  at  a  small  table,  upon  which  are  cups 
and  a  vase  of  flowers,  while  a  nymph  occasionally  passes  to 
and  fro,  serving  them  with  wine  from  within.  CIRCE  is  not 
attired  as  enchantress.  She  wears  neither  her  black  robe  nor 
the  coronal  of  pearls.  The  prevailing  color  of  her  Grecian 
dress  is  amethyst,  and  her  hair  is  loosely  confined  by  a 
narrow  band  of  gold. — On  the  Right,  at  the  farther  end  of 
the  veranda,  PHILEMON  and  PHILINNA  sit  side  by  side  in 
confidential  attitude. — Upon  the  lawn,  in  the  foreground 
near  the  centre,  far  enough  from  the  others  to  converse 
gently  without  being  overheard  by  them,  are  seen  XENIAS 
and  THERMIA  :  the  former  seated  carelessly  facing  sidewise 
toward  the  colonnade ;  the  latter  standing  by  a  tall  shrub, 
cutting  flowers  which  she  gathers  in  the  fold  of  her  garment. 

THERMIA 
[Who  stands  with  her  back  to  the  veranda] 

If  you  will  take  a  good  long  look,  Xenias,  just 
where  you  are  looking  now,  you  will  see 
exactly  why  you  and  I  are  a  whole  lot  luckier 
than  some  others  I  might  name. 

XENIAS 

How  is  that  ?  What 's  the  mystification  now,  Miss 
Inscrutable?  I  see  only  what  we  see  every  day  ; 
and  no  great  signs  of  bad  luck  about  them  yet. 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


THERMIA 

Of  course  we  see  it  every  day  !  And  every  day  is 
making  it  worse  for  them,  friend  Xenias.  Do 
you  suppose  they  can  keep  this  sort  of  thing 
up  forever? 

XENIAS 

Well,  what  if  they  can't?  I  've  no  doubt  the  illusion 
is  mighty  pleasant  while  it  lasts. 

THERMIA 

And  so  much  the  more  painful  when  it  comes  to 
an  end — but  you  and  I  have  kept  our  wits 
about  us,  Xenias. 

XENIAS 

And  have  been  uncommon  good  friends  all  the 
time,  you  mean,  Thermia — Well,  I  admit  it 's 
the  best  way.  But  they  don't  think  so. 

THERMIA 

They  think  of  nothing  !  But  it  will  set  them  think 
ing,  when  the  time  comes  for  you  to  sail  away. 

XENIAS 

If  that  time  ever  does  come  !  The  commander  has 
got  to  order  it ;  and  he  does  n't  seem  very  likely 

[115] 


CIRCE 

to  speak  the  word  until  your  lady  orders  him. 
It 's  true  some  of  the  lads  are  getting  restive 
and  tired  of  dilly-dallying,  as  they  call  it, 
here  in  this  blessed  island  ! 


THERMIA 

Yes,  and  Graea  gives  me  to  understand  that 
Eurylochus  is  going  about  secretly  stirring 
them  up  and  wants  them  to  put  on  a  bold 
front  and  demand  that  something  shall  be 
done. 

XENIAS 

Ah,  so?  He  has  n't  said  a  word  to  me  or  Philemon. 
I  reckon  he  thinks  Philemon  and  Xenias  are 
in  the  same  box. 

THERMIA 

Eurylochus  does  n't  know  the  difference,  of  course  ! 
I  shall  be  sorry  when  you  have  to  go,  Xenias  ; 
I  shall  miss  you  sadly  after  you  are  gone.  But 
it  will  simply  kill  Philinna. 

XENIAS 
Well  now,  what  if  Philemon  should  take  her  home 

[116] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


to  Ithaca  with  him  for  his  wife?  He  has  n't 
got  any  Penelope  waiting  for  him  there. 

THERMIA 

O  heavens  !  And  do  you  believe  Philinna  would 
ever  leave  Circe,  or  that  Circe  would  ever  let 
her  go? 

XENIAS 

And  do  you  believe  Philemon  would  ever  leave 
Philinna  behind,  or  that  Philinna  would  ever 
let  him  go  without  her? 

THERMIA 

Xenias,  it 's  a  pity  about  them  both — the  greatest 
pity  in  the  world  !  As  for  Circe,  she  really 
admires  your  captain ;  great  men  are  scarce 
enough,  she  says  ;  but  Circe  will  never  lose 
her  head,  even  if  Ulysses  has  lost  his  ;  nor  will 
either  of  them  be  quite  heart-broken,  be  sure. 
But  Philinna  !  Phiiinna  ! 

[CiRCE,  who  has  been  laughing  merrily  with  ULYSSES, 
claps  her  hands  twice.] 

Yes,  now ;  here  comes  the  music  they  feed  on. 

[117] 


CIRCE 


[THERMIA  begins  to  move  away  as  THRATTIS  the 
lute-girl  enters  from  the  palace  in  response  to 
CIRCE'S  summons.] 

XENIAS 
But  stay,  Thermia,  and  let  us  hear  it. 

THERMIA 

O,  it  will  only  be  the  same  old  songs  !  Besides,  I 
have  my  vases  to  fill. 

[She  goes  out  round  the  Right  corner  of  the  building. 
XENIAS  settles  himself  in  a  listening  attitude.] 

CIRCE 

Thrattis,  we  need  thee  still. — 'T  is  strange,  Ulysses, 
How,  like  some  thirst  or  hunger,  each  day  return 
These  tuneful  memories  ! 

ULYSSES 

Yet,  fair  Circe,  charged 
With  a  more  strange  f orgetf ulness  of  all  else 
Than  that  they  celebrate. 

CIRCE 

Hist,  listen  now ! 

[118] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


THRATTIS 

[Standing  midway  between  the  two  couples  on  the 
veranda,  after  a  brief  prelude  upon  her  instrument, 
sings.] 

Forget,  forget !  Ah,  linger  not 

By  dreams  of  yesterday  ! 
Each  vanish'd  hour  shall  be  forgot, 

Fresh  phantasies  hold  sway. 
No  lowlier  crown  the  linden  weaves 

Of  tassel'd  verdure  now 
Because  the  old  year's  scatter'd  leaves 

Return  not  to  the  bough. 

CIRCE 

[While  an  interlude  is  played]  Our  Thrattis  echoes 
thy  thought,  Ulysses;  and  indeed  I  find  a 
certain  sort  of  wisdom  in  the  ditty. 

ULYSSES 

Yet  methinks  it  carries  somewhat  of  a  different 
effect  from  the  open  intention  of  it. 

CIRCE 

Wait,  listen ! 

[119] 


CIRCE 

THRATTIS 

[Sings] 

Forget,  forget !  In  love's  demesnes 

No  faded  chaplet  wear ; 
Nor  conjure  phantoms  from  lost  scenes, 

To  sit  unbidden  there. 
Round  heaven  her  sign  swift  Iris  sets, 

Flings  forth  her  jewel'd  zone  : 
O,  who  beholds  it  but  forgets 

The  frowning  storm-cloud  flown? 

[The  singer  bends  her  head  to  hide  her  face  as  she 
sweeps  the  strings  again.] 

CIRCE 

Good  Thrattis,  thou  art  tired  standing.  Sit  and 
sip  of  the  wine.  Thou  need'st  sing  no  farther 
now. 

PHILINNA 
She  weeps,  my  lady. 

[As  THRATTIS,   declining  the   offered  refreshment, 
turns  and  goes  within.] 

CIRCE 
Poor  soul !  truly  I  pity  her. 

[1201 


B  T  H  E     SECOND     A  C  T  E 

PHILEMON 

But  why  does  the  girl  weep,  sweet  Philinna?  Has 
she  some  express  sorrow  attending  her? 

PHILINNA 

O  yes,  Philemon  ;  nor  will  she  put  it  entirely  away. 
'T  is  three  years  agone  since  she  floated  to  our 
island,  lashed  to  some  fragment  of  a  vessel 
from  the  north  which  the  hurricane  had 
wrecked ;  but  her  father  and  two  brothers 
who  so  saved  her  life  themselves  perished  in 
the  sea. 

PHILEMON 

O,  sad  story  ;  unhappy  Thrattis  !  Yet  so  I  do  much 
wonder  at  the  song  she  chose  to  sing. 

PHILINNA 

We  could  do  little  to  assuage  her  grief.  But  Circe 
has  been  kind  to  her  and  taught  her  the  songs 
she  sings  so  sweetly  to  her  lute. 

ULYSSES 

Perchance  some  such  strains  would  comfort  the 
child  as  the  captive  Trojan  maidens  might 

[121] 


CIRCE 


listen  to  betimes  among  us  at  the  ships  when 
the  harp  was  struck. 

CIRCE 
Pray  what,  Ulysses? 

ULYSSES 

Such  as  sounded  praise 
Not  for  the  living  and  the  days  we  lived 
(Which  with  their  moil  and  megrim  did  afford 
Scant  food,  I  grant,  for  eulogy)  ;  but  ever 
With  vision  backward  turn'd  the  bard  would  seek 
Among  long-treasured  memories  one  most  apt 
And  draw  it  forth.  Then  did  we  lose  all  sense 
Of  aching  limbs,  sore  wounds,  and  comrades  slain, 
Whilst  in  high-swelling  measures  like  great  waves 
Of  Iphitus  or  Heracles  he  sang — 
Glories  of  ancient  men. 

CIRCE 

It  was  fair  medicine 

To  still  the  pains  ye  dwelt  in.  In  my  isle 
Such  cordials  find  not  place. — But  come,  Ulysses, 
And  see  me  prove  the  powers  of  that  rare  herb 

[122] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


Whereof   I    promised.  —  Philinna,    attend    us.    Of 

simples 
My  sampler  art  thou. 

[CiRCE  laughs  heartily  as  she  utters  the  last  words 
and  she  and  ULYSSES  rise  from  their  seats.  ULYSSES 
joins  in  the  laugh.  PHILINNA  smiles  faintly  and 
seems  loth  to  part  from  PHILEMON  as  these  two  also 

rise.] 

CIRCE 

[Laughing  again]  Thy  Philemon 
Will  not  forget  so  soon. 

[CiRCE  and  ULYSSES  go  into  the  palace  followed  by 
PHILINNA.] 

XENIAS 

[As  PHILEMON  turns  toward  him,  stepping  down 
from  the  veranda] 

The  commander  and  our  Lady  of  the  Herbs  seem 
to  be  in  a  right  merry  mood,  Philemon. 

PHILEMON 
That  they  are  indeed,  to  judge  by  the  colors  they 


123 


CIRCE 


XENIAS 

You  take  it  not  quite  so.  And  yet  methinks  you 
have  as  good  cause  as  they  to  be  blithe. 

PHILEMON 

I  take  your  meaning,  Xenias.  Nevertheless  I  'm 
sheer  doubtful  now  and  then — as  though  too 
great  happiness  should  somehow  have  a 
sobering  effect,  as  you  might  say,  upon  a 
fellow. 

XENIAS 

Then  belike  when  the  commander  sobers  down  a 
bit  he  will  pass  the  word  for  a  home  start. 

PHILEMON 
Ay,  truly  I  have  thought  of  it. 

XENIAS 
[Laughing  and  clapping  his  friend  on  the  shoulder] 

But  you  're  not  in  a  raking  hurry  about  it ;  eh, 
Philemon? 

[Re-enter  THERMIA   round  the   Right   corner.    She 
comes  quickly  toward  the  men.] 

[124] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


But  here  's  Thermia  again,  in  a  hurry  about  some 
thing  or  other  surely. 

THERMIA 

O  Xenias  !  I  Ve  seen  Graea  again  and  have  learnt 
that  Eurylochus  has  called  all  the  men  to  a 
meeting  at  the  shore  to-morrow  morning  early 
about  that  business. 

PHILEMON 
Ah,  what  business,  Thermia? 

THERMIA 
You  tell  him,  Xenias. 

XENIAS 

Philemon  and  I  were  just  upon  the  same  matter — 
about  the  commander  passing  the  word  to 
cast  off. 

PHILEMON 
Well,  it  seems  the  mate  has  n't  invited  me  yet. 

XENIAS 
No,  nor  me ;  he  thinks  you  and  I  would  pull  on 

[125] 


n  CIRCE 


the  wrong  quarter,  laddie.  But  I  shall  be  on 
hand  just  the  same  to  see  how  the  wind  does 
blow.  Don't  you  go,  Philemon  ;  you  have  n't 
the  heart  for  it. 

THERMIA 
Ah,  thou  art  sad,  Philemon ;  I  feel  for  thee. 

PHILEMON 
O,  let  it  come  ;  let  it  come  ! 

THERMIA 

Yes,  the  day  is  bound  to  come,  sooner  or  later.  I 
would  I  could  belate  it.  But  farewell  now. 

[She  goes  out.] 

PHILEMON 

Xenias,  I  would  not  ask  thee  to  hold  back 
And  thine  own  sentiments  belie  because 
Mine  do  enchain  me  so  to  Circe's  isle 
As  in  its  soil  the  roots  of  yonder  oak 
Are  wove  and  knotted.  No ;  it  is  for  you  all 
Timely  and  reasonable — nor  for  Ulysses  least— 
To  set  your  faces  homeward.  But  to  me 
That  home  so  dimly  beckons  now,  I  know  not 
If  it  be  there  or  here  ! 

[126] 


E8THE     SECOND     A  C  T  E3 

XENIAS 

[Stepping  closer  to  his  friend]   'T  was  not  thy  wont 
To  doubt,  Philemon,  with  faint  wavering  heart, 
When  we  together  oft  by  chilly  Troy 
Crouch'd  with  our  captain  in  an  ambuscade 
Or  sprang  from  the  galley's  prow  full-arm'd  ashore 
At  Tenedos  or  Chryse.  Be  thyself  ;  be  bold  ! 
The  girl  is  not  to  the  island  rooted  fast, 
Even  though,  as  they  pretend,  their  mothers  be 
Fig-trees  and  fountains.  We  go  :  take  her!  Herself, 
I  '11  wager,  nothing  loth. 

[While  the  last  words  are  exchanged  between  the  two 
men  the  figure  of  GRAEA  the  swine-maiden ,  unob 
served  by  them,  is  seen  passing  furtively  behind  and 
occasionally  halting  as  if  to  listen.] 

PHILEMON 

Ah,  Xenias, 

Thou  knowest  not  Philinna.  She  is  true 
Not  to  me  only. 

XENIAS 

I  know.  Untie  them  ! 
If  need  be,  cut  the  knot !  Love  glories 
In  shifts  and  stratagems. 

[1271 


CIRCE 

PHILEMON 

Ah,   't   were   not  easy  ! 

XENIAS 

Think ;  ponder  !  Swear  it :  //  with  Ulysses9  crew 
Philemon  sail,  Philinna  shall  sail  too. 

[XENIAS  seizes  the  hand  of  PHILEMON  and  they  go 
out  together  at  the  Left.] 


128] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


ii 

The  Seashore,  early  in  the  forenoon  of  the  next  day.  The 
scene  is  the  same  as  in  the  First  Act,  but  the  signs  of  a, 
temporary  encampment  have  disappeared  and  the  hull  of 
the  vessel  is  encumbered  with  grass  and  weeds.  The  curtain 
rising  discovers  both  watches  of  the  crew  (excepting  GLAUCUS 
and  PHILEMON)  disposed  in  scattered  groups ;  some  of  the 
men  sitting  or  reclining ;  others  standing.  All  seem  pre 
occupied  and  the  faces  of  most  wear  an  anxious  look.  The 
demeanor  of  EURYLOCHUS,  who  stands  in  a  conspicuous 
position,  is  more  confident  and  dignified  than  in  former  scenes. 

FIRST  SAILOR 

Well,  I  suppose  the  devil  knows  how  long  we  have 
got  to  wait  before  they  show  up. 

SECOND  SAILOR 

We  're  lucky  if  they  ever  show  up  at  all.  Ten  to 
one  Glauc  '11  come  back  without  him. 

FIRST  SAILOR 

Ay,  ay  !  It 's  a  question  whether  even  Glaucus  can 
get  the  commander's  ear — leastwise  he  '11 
have  to  get  Madam  Circe  out  of  the  way  first. 

PHORBAS 
Mark  me  ;  we  are  n't  safe  yet !  There  's  no  knowing 

[129] 


CIRCE 


what  sort  of  beasts  she  might  turn  us  all  into 
even  now,  just  to  keep  him  with  her  a  year 
longer  ! 

SECOND  SAILOR    , 

I  've  a  notion  we  'd  have  done  better  to  send  a  man 
of  the  commander's  own  watch  —  some  one 
that  never  was  a  hog. 

XENIAS 

Bravo  !  where  will  you  find  such  a  one?  Glauc's 
all  right  ;  it  's  enough  to  have  a  man  who 
was  n't  always  a  hog. 

FIRST  SAILOR 
Ha,  ha  !  Theron,  that  's  one  on  you. 

THERON 
To  hell  with  it  !  hang  the  hogs  ! 

ELPENOR 
My  father  sticks  his. 

FIRST  SAILOR 

That  's  the  talk,  Elpy  ;  keep  the  culinary  depart 
ment  straight  ! 

[130] 


C3THE     SECOND     A  C  T  Q 

SECOND  SAILOR 

But  what  if  he  's  so  bewitched  he  won't  come  and 
talk  anyway? 

EURYLOCHUS 
Peace,  peace  ! 
'T  is   scarce    an   hour   since   we   despatch'd    our 

comrade 

On  no  brief  errand. 

Be  patient ;  have  good  hope  !  It  hangs,  I  know, 
On  the  razor's  edge ;  yet  leans  the  weightier  cause 
Toward  consummation.  Witchery  there  is  still ; 
Else  were  there  little  need  to  prompt  Ulysses 
To  his  plain  duty.  Drugs  have  their  antidotes, 
Which  to  employ  are  easy  when  once  found  : 
More  subtle — ay,  more  deadly  !  than  her  potions 
Are  these  soft  blandishments,  cared  she  to  play 

them 

To  their  full  scope.  But  it  has  stood  forth  clear, 
Though  once  I  did  mistrust  the  promised  convoy  : 
Not  in  malevolence  the  enchantress  binds 
Ulysses'  will.  And  when  good  Glaucus  comes, 
Fearless  and  plain  of  speech  and  charged  with  all 
The  prayerful  hot  commands  we  laid  upon  him  ; 
When  he,  unheard  of  Circe,  bids  his  captain 

[131] 


CIRCE 


Arise,  for  old  Laertes'  sake  ;  and,  backward 
With    stern    reproachful    finger    pointing,    names 
The  faithful  wife  who  waits,  Penelope, 
Icarius'  daughter  : — then,  perhaps,  this  cord 
Of  crimson  devilment  will  snap — remembrance, 
Conscience  awake. 

XENIAS 

Eurylochus,  was  it  not 

Here  on  this  very  shore  a  twelvemonth  since, 
Launching  the  half-mann'd  pinnace,  you  would  fly, 
Your  mates  left  in  the  lurch? 

EURYLOCHUS 

But  for  Ulysses 

(This  you  would  add)  the  doors  of  their  foul  prison 
Had  closed  on  them  forever. 

XENIAS 

But  to-day 
They  jest  and  laugh,  though  't  is  in  Circe's  isle. 

THERON 
Damn  me,  too,  if  we  're  the  only  ones  that  have 

[132] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


learnt  to  mumble  spoon-victuals  and  dance 
with  tree-toads  in  the  moonlight ! 

EURYLOCHUS 

Xenias,  there  is  a  fear  to  which  all  others 
Are  as  soft  zephyrs  to  the  tempest :  it  is 
When  spirits  uncanny  mock  the  paltry  arts 
Of  mortal  courage.  But  for  my  fear,  no  tidings, 
No  warning,  no  alarm  had  reach'd  you. 

FIRST  SAILOR 

Hi,  yi !  [He  paints  upward  to  the  Right]  They  're 
coming !  There 's  old  Glauc  digging  down 
this  way. 

SECOND  SAILOR 

[Spying  through  his  hand]  Alone  !  by  the  living 
gods  ! 

[Groans  are  uttered  by  some  of  the  men,  with  gestures 
of  disgust  and  disappointment.] 

EURYLOCHUS 

Hold ;  wait ! 

He  waves  his  staff ;  he  smiles  ;  he  brings,  be  sure, 
No  grievous  answer  ! 

[133] 


n  CIRCE 


[Enter  GLAUCUS  bare-headed,  carrying  a  staff  with 
oak-leaves   attached,   which   he  waves  to   and  fro.] 

GLAUCUS 

All  's  well  !  all  's  well,  lads  !  It  's  a  go  ;  the  com 
mander  has  struck  his  colors.  We  're  off,  sure  ! 

[The  men  throng  about  GLAUCUS,  some  hurrahing 
and  throwing  up  their  caps.] 

SEVERAL  VOICES 

But  where  is  he?  What  'd  he  say?  When  's  he 
coming? 

GLAUCUS 

O,  belay  there  !  Everything  takes  time.  He  had  to 
go  and  talk  with  madam  first,  of  course  —  and 
not  take  French  leave  like  an  orang-outang. 
He  '11  be  here  in  a  jiffy. 

PHORBAS 

Yes  ;  but  what  '11  she  make  him  say  when  he  does 
come?  I  tell  you  we  're  not  well  out  of  this 
kettle  of  fish  till  we  've  cut  loose  into  high 
water  ! 

[1341 


QTHE     SECOND     ACT 


GLAUCUS 

Avast !  He  '11  say  what  comes  into  his  head.  The 
lady  's  got  a  head  on  her  too  :  she  's  not  the 
kind  of  a  craft  to  capsize  at  the  first  catspaw 
of  wind,  don't  you  believe  it ! 

FIRST  SAILOR 
Put  on  a  life-preserver,  Phorb  !  Shin  up  the  mast ! 

ELPENOR 
The  mast  is  n't  shinned  up  itself  yet. 

EURYLOCHUS 
Glaucus,  we  owe  thee  thanks. 

GLAUCUS 

Not  a  bit  of  it !  I  doubt  if  we  'd  have  dared  to 
tackle  him  for  another  year  if  you  had  n't 
put  us  up  to  it,  old  man.  But  you  may  set  me 
to  walk  the  plank  if  he  does  n't  talk  fair  now. 

XENIAS 

Hold  on,  lads  !  Seats  again  !  there  he  comes  !  Stilly, 
stilly  ! 

[135] 


CIRCE 


[Enter  ULYSSES  at  the  Right,  wearing  sword  and 
helmet.  His  aspect  is  gracious  as  he  comes  to  a  stand 
near  the  men,  who  sit  in  silence.  Before  speaking  he 
casts  a  contemplative  glance  seaward,  then  turns 
toward  the  vessel.] 

ULYSSES 

Our  good  ship  !  Ah  yes ;  the  seams 
Gape  in  her  sun-parch'd  sides,  and  rank  weeds 

twine 

Their  prickly  meshes  round  her  shriveling  keel. 
Yes,  yes,  my  men ;  full  long  we  have  sat  still, 
Basking  in  languorous  fancy,  rapt,  unheeding 
This  summons  to  the  wave.  Nor  tarried  others 
Behind,  to  follow  and  seize  us  :  as  when  those 
Who  clomb  the  banks  of  Lotus-land  and  straying 
Ate  of  the  flowery  food,  their  souls 
Steep'd  in  forge tfulness,   we  seized   and  bound, 
Stifled  their  cries  and  dragg'd  them  to  the  shore.— 
To-day  they  are  no  more  :  so  many 
Death's  winged  minions  snatch'd  and  in  wild  sport 
Flung  them  to  feed  the  sea-god's  ravenous  brood  ; 
Or,  on  strange  shores  their  white  bones  strewing, 

sign'd 
The  landmarks  of  our  course. — What  wonder,  then  ! 

[  136  1 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


What  wonder,  O  brave  comrades,  if,  so  spent, 

So  spared,  beaching  beside  enchanted  bowers 

Our  single  bark,  lull'd  under  lustrous  skies, 

Encircled  by  fond  arms,  we  linger'd  fondly 

And  long.  But  now,  welcome  the  tug  and  strain 

Once  more,  as  ye  have  will'd  it :  the  bent  oar, 

The  creaking  rowlock,  Zephyrus'  shrill  pipe, 

The  thundrous  pounding  surge  !  Nor  now,  as  then, 

Shall  we  unpiloted  and  blindly  plow 

Our  swift  sea-furrow  ;  but  wise  Circe's  words 

Will  be  to  us  as  beacons.  We  shall  know 

What  winds  press  homeward  ;  on  which  hand  to 

hold 
(When    oft    to    night  course   our  sick   yearning 

prompts) 
Orion  and  the  Bear. — If  only 
Her  solemn  friendly  warnings  ye  can  heed, 
Which  in  good  time  I  shall  expressly  cite, 
All  may  be  well. 

EURYLOCHUS 

Trust  your  men,  sir,  for  that — leastwise  if  past 
experience  avail  them  anything  in  the  way  of 
instruction  for  the  future. 

[137] 


CIRCE 


ULYSSES 

So  prove  it !  On  the  third  morn  we  start.  Meanwhile 
Let  none  stand  idle  !  To-day  remains  in  part ; 
One  other  day  to-morrow,  whilst  we  urge 
The  labors  needful  to  our  voyage.  Draw  water ; 
The   wine-jars    and   the   barley-crates   replenish ; 
Refit  the  tackle. — Now  let  the  old  ship  drink 
And  plume  herself  again  ! 

SEVERAL  VOICES 

[As  the  men,  who  have  already  sprung  from  their 
seats,  gather  round  the  vessel] 

Hurrah  !  hurrah  ! 
Off  with  her  !  Rush  her  out ! 

GLAUCUS 

Look  lively,  lads  !  Knock  away  those  props  !  Clear 
out  the  ways  there  for'ard  ! 

SEVERAL  VOICES 
Clear  it  is  !  Lively,  lively  ! 

ULYSSES 
Eurylochus,  I  depute 

[1381 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


To  you  the  furtherance  of  these  tasks.  My  presence 
Another  foresight  claims. 

EURYLOCHUS 

Very  well ;  very  well,  sir  !— 
[To  the  men,  some  of  whom  have  climbed  on  deck] 

Drop  the  bow-chains  over  there,  boys  !  Catch  on, 
half  a  hundred  of  you  !  There  she  goes  ;  steady, 
steady  ! 

[The  curtain  falls  as  ULYSSES  goes  out  at  the  Right 
and  the  ship,  pulled  and  pushed  by  many  hands, 
begins  to  move  toward  the  water.} 


[139] 


CIRCE 


in 

The  back  of  the  palace,  in  the  evening  of  the  same  day  as 
Scene  II.  —  As  the  curtain  rises  ULYSSES  and  CIRCE  are  dis 
covered  in  the  foreground  :  the  former  occupying  a  low  seat 
by  a  tree  ;  the  latter  reclining  near  him.  Upon  the  veranda, 
forming  a  group  by  themselves  though  not  far  removed  from 
the  others,  PHILEMON,  XENIAS,  THERMIA,  and  PHILINNA  are 
seated  at  a  table,  apparently  playing  at  some  game  by  the 
light  of  a  hanging  lamp.  ULYSSES  and  CIRCE  are  revealed  to 
view  by  the  rays  of  the  moon,  which  near  its  full  is  rising 
above  the  palace  roof. 

CIRCE 

Those  children  are  making  a  brave  effort  to  play 
at  their  game,  Ulysses.  They  pretend  to-mor 
row  will  be  soon  enough  for  parting  salutations. 

THERMIA 

[Who  has  overheard  the  remark]  O  Circe  !  Philinna 
cannot  play  at  all  ;  she  throws  amiss  every 
time. 

CIRCE 

Well,  I  doubt  if  her  Philemon  does  much  better.  — 
There  are  at  least  two  aching  hearts  over 
there,  Ulysses. 

[140] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


ULYSSES 

Yet  I  have  remarked  Philemon  seems  not  exactly 
depressed  by  it.  Indeed  both  he  and  Xenias 
surprise  me,  how  cheerily  they  await  the  event. 

CIRCE 

They  are  men  :  new  scenes,  new  labors  summon 
them ;  thoughts  of  their  home.  But  my  poor 
nymphs  must  rest  contented  hereafter  with 
only  me  and  the  even  sameness  of  our  days. 

ULYSSES 
Even  so  ye  lived  blithe-hearted  ere  we  came. 

CIRCE 
Hearts  more  than  blithe  we  knew  not  ere  ye  came. 

ULYSSES 
Counts  not  the  added  bliss  as  gain  meanwhile? 

CIRCE 
True  gain  or  loss  the  final  balance  shows. 

ULYSSES 
Then,  till  it 's  struck,  hope  for  the  winning  scale. 

[1411 


CIRCE 


CIRCE 

Such  hopes  help  mortals  cheat  themselves,  Ulysses, 
Even  of  the  present  profit. 


ULYSSES 

But  I  note, 

Thy  tacit  precept,  thine  own  example,  leads  us 
To  drain  the  brimming  cup  and  count  as  naught 
What  pangs  might  follow. 

CIRCE 

Ulysses,    my    example 
(For  in  these  closing  hours  I  will  confess  it) 
Hath  my  soul's  truest  insight  much  belied. 
Thou  didst  with  moly  baffle  my  magic  art : 
The  woman's  craft  to  baffle  quite,  no  helper 
Could  guide  thee  to  a  clue.  Hate  there  was  none — 
As  well  thou  knowest :  my  bosom's  pride  conceal'd 
No  sinister,  vindictive  purpose.  But 
Poor  Circe,  worsted,  won  her  mastery  back 
And  turn'd  to  sportive  vengeance  her  defeat, 
When  with  wise  incantations  wise  Ulysses 
She  sang  to  sleep. 

[142] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


ULYSSES 

There  needed  those  more  weary, 
If  not  more  wise,  to  wake  him. 

CIRCE 

But  meanwhile 

My  gentle  partners,  my  sweet  nymphs,  I  so 
Imperilling  left — that  same  mischance  whereof 
With  a  vague  prescience  more  than  once  I  warn'd 

them — 

In  these  new  toils  ensnared,  when  the  spell  broke, 
To  droop  as  their  own  clipt  flowers. 
[While  the  last  few  words  are  pronounced  there  has 
been  brisk  talking,  not  distinctly  overheard,  on  the 
part  of  the  other  group.] 

THERMIA 

[Loudly]  O,  for  shame,  Philemon  !  What  a  thing  to 
say! 

PHILINNA 
[Passionately]  'T  is  he;  't  is  he  himself  cares  not ! 

CIRCE 

[Turning  toward  the  veranda,  where  PHILEMON  and 
XENIAS  have  just  risen  to  their  feet] 
Ah,  now  !  what  coil  is  this?  Philinna,  speak  ! 

(1431 


CIRCE 

THERMIA 

O  Circe  !  't  is  Philemon — and  Xenias  too  ;  they  say 
We  are  but  women's  women  :  at  the  last  moment 
(They  tell  us)  we  choose  you! 

CIRCE 

O  foolish  children  ! 
Must  your  vain  quarreling  blight  such  hours  as 

these  ! — 
But  whither?  Philemon  !  Xenias  !  will  you  leave  us? 

PHILEMON 

'T  is  only,  my  lady,  a  certain  business  calls  us 
forth  expressly  at  this  time. 

ULYSSES 
So,  my  men?  A  strange  time  for  business,  is  it  not? 

XENIAS 

.It  were  so,  sir,  but  for  a  slight  affair  of  our  own,  to 
which  we  should  properly  give  our  attention 
by  high  moonlight  only. 

CIRCE 
[Laughing]  Holy  Diana  !  Have  they,  too,  turned  to 


magic? 


[144 


THE     SECOND     ACT® 

XENIAS 
Pray  excuse  us,  all ! 

[The  two  young  men  go  out  by  the  Right  corner. 
PHILINNA,  bending  over  the  table,  covers  her  face 
with  her  hands,  while  THERMIA  rising  attempts  to 
soothe  her.] 

CIRCE 

O,  mind  not,  dear  Philinna,  his  hasty  words  ! 
Though  heartless  sounding,  they  did  rather  prove 
The  same  concern  that  draws  thine  own  tears  now. 
Lead  her  within  ;  thou  canst  console  her,  Thermia  ; 
Thy  stronger  courage  will  avail. 

[The  two  nymphs  go  into  the  palace.} 

ULYSSES 

Circe,  I  like  not  this  foolery  of  the  high  moonlight. 
Though  it  be  a  trifle  ludicrous,  the  lads  seemed 
right  serious  about  it  nevertheless.  'T  is  unlike 
Philemon.  I  like  it  not. 

CIRCE 

O  put  the  thought  aside,  Ulysses  ! 
It  is  some  youthful  prank,  or  a  mere  jest 
Fresh-coin'd  with  sober  mouth.  Nor  falls  amiss 

f  1451 


CIRCE 


Thus  on  the  girl's  untried,  too  tender  spirit 
Some  jar  and  crossing  ere  the  final  shock, 
So  to  forestall  and  break  it. 

And  this  moon  ! 

Well  she  deserves,  Ulysses,  in  thy  sight. 
Have  we  not  sought  ourselves  her  soothing  spell? 
Masking  a  farewell  colloquy  in  smiles, 
As  yonder  silver'd  wave-tips  feign  deliverance 
From  the  encircling  gloom  of  envious  night. 

Ah  !  if  thou  didst  but  know, 

Son  of  Laertes,  half  the  struggles  that  wait  thee 
By  Neptune's  billowy  realm  and,  rescued  thence, 
In  deadly  strife  at  thy  rude  island-home, 
Then  wouldst  thou  feel,  perchance,  less  haste  to 

leave 

Circe,  the  frail  enchantress. — Ay,  not  all 
The  signs  to  guide  and  perils  that  impend 
Canst  thou  learn  now.  Some,  long  in  mystery  wrapt 
(Nor  wouldst  thou  choose  to  speed  them),  time 

will  teach  ; 

Others,  from  ghostly  lips  compell'd,  when  soon, 
By  Ocean's  stream  thy  lone  bark  moor'd,  thou 

standest 

At  the  dark  doors  of  Hades  to  evoke 
Theban  Tiresias'  shade,  the  seer  shall  utter. 

[146] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


ULYSSES 

Dread  Circe ! 

O  strange,  unpitying  prophetess,  no  mortal 
Reaches  by  sail  or  oar  that  awful  strand. 

CIRCE 

Thou  shalt  be  one,  Ulysses,  who,  twice  dying, 
Twice  lives  to  rue  his  birth. — But  hearken  ; 
And  on  the  mindful  tablets  of  thy  soul 
Grave  these  my  warnings.  Back  from  the  sunless 

shore 

Of  pale  Persephone  the  refluent  tide 
Will  bear  thy  bark  unurged  :  till,  facing 
The  ruddy  sources  of  recover'd  day, 
Fresh-waken'd   breath    of    quickening   winds    she 

feels 

Smite  on  her  listless  sail.  So  hold  her  prow, 
Toward  Eos  striving  surely,  from  my  isle 
Farther  and  farther  speeding. 

ULYSSES 

But  how  soon? 

How  soon,  O  Circe,  may  our  glad  eyes  behold 
Some  signal  of  known  lands? 

[1471 


n  CIRCE 

CIRCE 

So  much  not  yet 

May  be  unveil'd  ;  nor  yet,  what  remnant  lingers 
Of  crew  or  vessel  until  that  hour. — But  hear, 
How  (lest  their  doom  be  hastened)  on  thy  helms 
man, 

When   "twixt   unlovely  neighbors  he  must  steer, 
The  crisis  hangs.  On  this  side  Scylla  lurks, 
Snarling  in  her  cliff-cavern  ;   on  that,  Charybdis 
Retches,  with  swirling  gorge.  Thrice  happy  he 
"Who,  nor  to  the  right  inclining  nor  the  left, 
Cleaves  straight  the  midway  mark  with  even  keel. 

ULYSSES 

But  why  not  of  the  engulfing  pest  steer  wide 
And  with  arnvd  hand  fend  off  the  other's  onset? 

CIRCE 

Ah! 

Thus  do  presumptuous  mortals  vaunt  their  cun 
ning, 

Or  vain  force,  where  alone  swift  vision  wins.— 

If,  then,  alternate  ruin  ye  elude, 

In  some  part  scatheless,  sweep  with  thankful 
hearts 

[  148  1 


BB  T  H  E     SECOND     ACTH 

The  gleaming  waters'  wide  unbroken  waste. 
Then  soon,  Ulysses,  as  to  my  lay  thou  only 
Mightst  listen  and  be  saved,  even  so  alone 
May'st  thou,  safe  sailing,  hear  the  Sirens'  song. 

ULYSSES 

Breathe  any  so  sweet  a  strain  as  that,  O  Circe, 
Which  binds  the  caller  at  the  moaning  porch? 

CIRCE 

Not  binds,  but  draws  !  No  sense-benumbing  spell 
Boast  the  sea-maidens,  nor  themselves  are  fair. 
Their  theme,  what  men  call  glory  ;  and  the  strain, 
Bell-like,  o'er  the  hush'd  seas  far  pealing,  calls 
With  a  resistless  summons  to  their  shore. 
It,  with  white  skulls  and  rotting  wreckage  lined, 
Thou  shalt  speed  by,  yet  hear.  Lash'd  to  the  mast 
By  thy  men's  hands — themselves  with  wax-stopt 

ears- 
Bid  them,  wrhen  thou  \vith  frantic  dumb  entreaty 
Wouldst  sign  their  stroke  toward  that  melodious 

lure, 

Pull  stronger  and  swerve  not,  w^ith  firmer  bonds 
Lashing  thee  still,  while  yet  one  echo 
Of  siren- voices  lingers. 

[149] 


CIRCE 


ULYSSES 

Circe,  full  long 

Thy  tale  of  helps  and  hazards,  though  not  few 
Still  on  their  fixt  oracular  moment  wait. 
Be  these  enough,  while  courage  step  by  step, 
Conning  each  several  danger,  learn  to  face  it. 

CIRCE 
T  is  well. 

[Thus  far  CIRCE  has  been  reclining,  with  occasional 
changes  of  attitude  due  to  the  earnestness  of  her  dis 
course.  She  now  rises  to  a  sitting  posture.] 
[Laughing]  But  forget  not,  most  prudent  captain, 
The  risks  thy  moonstruck  followers  would  invite 
In  these  my  precincts  ! 

[She  gives  her  hand  to  ULYSSES,  who  assists  her  to 
rise.] 

It  were  worth  while  to  note 
Their  traces.  Come  ;  they  went  this  way. 
[She  leads  out  at  the  Right,  ULYSSES  following  with 
downward  thoughtful  look.] 


150 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


IV 

The  grove  upon  sloping  ground,  at  noon  of  the  day  following 
the  previous  scene. — Enter  from  the  Left  downward  MYRTO 
leading  Mikkos.  With  a  glance  toward  the  path  on  the  Right 
she  seats  herself  under  the  tree  by  which  MERCURY  appeared 
to  ULYSSES,  while  the  ape,  whose  chain  MYRTO  continues  to 
hold,  swings  himself  to  a  low  branch  above  her. 

MYRTO 

Well,  Mikkos,  they  are  not  here  yet. —  But  Graea 

never  loiters  and  they  will  soon  come.  Now  I 

charge  thee  once  again  ;  and  be  thou,  as  a 

reflecting  animal,  less  slow  to  curb  thy  native 

animosities,  Mikkos  !  Look  not  upon  Eury- 

lochus   as  thine  enemy,   receiving  him   with 

angry  and  unseemly  gestures.  Eurylochus  is 

our  friend  to-day ;  and  his  co-operation  in 

the  present  emergency  is  invaluable. — Hear'st 

thou,  Mikkos?  [The  ape  grins  and  wags  his 

head.]  Very  well ;  now  conduct  thyself  like  a 

rational  being  !  I  hear  them  coming. 

[Enter  from  the  Right  upward  EURYLOCHUS,  followed 

closely  by  GRAEA.   The  former,  after  a  suspicious 

glance  at  Mikkos,  who  shows  his  teeth  and  tries  to 

shake  his  chain,  turns  inquiringly  toward  MYRTO 

who  remains  seated  while  the  others  stand. 

[1511 


CIRCE 


EURYLOCHUS 

Graea  has  by  her  signs  made  known  to  me,  Myrto, 
that  you  would  have  me  attend  you  here  at 
this  time ;  and  I  have  inferred  from  the 
earnestness  of  her  manner  that  the  message 
is  of  importance. 

MYRTO 

Important  indeed  it  is,  Eurylochus  :  I  need  your 
assistance ;  and  not  for  myself  alone — per 
chance  even  somewhat  for  thine  own  weal ; 
but  especially  on  behalf  of  the  lady  Circe  and 
all  of  us  her  poor  companions — whom  to  be 
sure  thou  lovest  not. 

EURYLOCHUS 

One  may  love  not,  Myrto,  and  yet  be  nowise  lack 
ing  in  good-will.  You  would  not  have  called 
in  an  unfriendly  hand  to  aid  you. 

MYRTO 

In  the  present  matter  at  any  rate  thou  wilt  be  sure 
to  side  with  us. — Wouldst  thou  choose  to  take 
one  of  us  home  with  thee  in  the  ship,  Eury 
lochus? 

f  152  1 


H  T  H  E     SECOND     A  C  T  GS9 

EURYLOCHUS 

How?  What?  Forbid  it,  mighty  Apollo  !  Is  your 
mind  wandering,  Myrto? 

MYRTO 

It  is  not  I,  but  a  pair  of  your  pretty  comrades  whose 
wits  are  wandering ;  for  they  would  carry 
away  Philinna,  unbeknown  to  Ulysses  and 
the  rest  of  you,  hiding  her  in  the  vessel. 

EURYLOCHUS 

Ah  !  we  know  of  Philemon's  madness — and  the 
girl  consents  to  this? 

MYRTO 

No  indeed  !  they  will  put  her  to  sleep  with  Circe's 
drug — 

EURYLOCHUS 
[Interrupting]  O  Heracles  ! 

MYRTO 

And  so  bring  her  aboard  the  ship  to-night,  while 
you  are  all  at  the  palace  partaking  of  the 
farewell  feast. 

[153] 


CIRCE 


EURYLOCHUS 

Then  if  you  have  discovered  this  plot,  why  not 
warn  her  straightway  and  cut  it  short? 

MYRTO 

Not  so,  Eurylochus  ! 
[MYRTO  rises  and  addresses  herself  earnestly  to  him.] 

Not  till  the  latest  moment  must  Philinna 
Perceive  the  strange  and  treacherous  design 
Of  him  she  loves,  who,  if  he  loved  her  less, 
Would  spurn  the  trick  his  clever  mate  has  taught 

him. 

Now  hear  me  ;  and  observe 

How  thou  shalt  aid  us,  with  least  harm  to  foil 
This  harmful  scheme.  Nothing  the  herb  itself 
Of  baneful  sort  to  mind  or  body  works  : 
But  whoso  of  its  fragrance  breathes  in  slumber, 
For  six-and-thirty  hours  wakes  not  again, 
Nor  feels,  nor  can  be  roused.  They  hold  its  leaves 
Gather'd  beneath  pale  moonbeams,  when  the  plant 
Best  cools  its  juices  and  conserves  its  force. 
These  they  will  bruise  and  spread 
About  the  pillow  of  Philinna's  couch, 
Where  she  each  day — now  at  this  very  hour — 

[154] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


Seeks  her  brief  noontide  sleep  :  by  the  moss'd  bank 

So  near  the  waterfall  its  gauzy  spray 

Like  an  ethereal  veil  enshrouds  the  bower 

Where  our  companion  rests  ;  and  muffled  tones, 

Voiced  by  perpetual  whirling  waters,  soothe 

The  slumberer's  ear.  Of  vines  her  bed  is  join'd  : 

Gnarl'd  stems  which  from  the  vineyard  pruning 

once 

We  fashion'd  to  a  woodland  couch,  to  sit 
And  watch  the  headlong  stream.  This  lifting 
(So  Graea  heard  them  whisper)  they  will  bear 
With  its  fond  burden  shoreward  ere  the  dawn, 
While  yet  ye  feast  and  revel.  And  they  hope 
To  hold  her  hidden  (nor  will  she  wake)  until 
Too  far  at  sea  the  flying  ship  hath  sped 
For  ruth  or  reparation. 

EURYLOCHUS 

O  great  gods  ! 

Herself  by  good  rights,  waking  then,  should  rue 
Her  wanton  witcheries. 

MYRTO 

Peace,  Eurylochus ;  peace  ! 
Perverse  and  all  one-sided  is  thy  sense : 

[1551 


CIRCE 


On  the  other  side  thy  mother  bore  thee  blind. 
Not  yet  hast  thou   been   taught  the  part  thou 

playest 

In  the  prevention. — At  the  feast  this  night, 
Ere  the  two  plotters  to  their  work  slip  out, 
I  at  my  wheel  (whom  thou  wilt  watch)  shall  give 

thee 

This  sign — with  finger  prest  to  lip  :  whereat 
Thyself  withdrawing  noiselessly  to  join 
Graea  who  waits  without,  with  her  wilt  hie 
To  poor  Philinna's  bower  :  and  both  shall  bear 
Hillward  by  the  back  path  the  couch  and  sleeper 
Into  the  banquet-hall  to  Circe. 

EURYLOCHUS 

And  what  revenge 
Will  Circe  wreak  upon  the  thieves? 

MYRTO 

Circe  is  wise ; 

Needs  not  our  counsel. — And,  Eurylochus,  mark  : 
Thy  secrecy  here  will  stand  thee  in  good  stead. 
A  narrow  pathway  tread  ye  all,  so  long 
In  this  round  isle  ye  linger  !  Go  ;  and  be  mindful ! — 

[EURYLOCHUS   goes   out   at   the   Right   downward.] 

[156] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


Now,  Graea — for  thy  sharp  ear  no  caution  needs, — 
His  part  and  thine  are  fixt.  And  further,  Graea  ; 
When  chilly  night  descends,  visit  her  bower 
And  lay  soft  fleeces  o'er  Philinna's  form, 
Sheltering  her  deep  dishonest  sleep. 

[GRAEA  by  signs  gives  her  assent,  Mikkos  jumps 
down  from  the  tree,  and  all  go  out  by  the  Left  upward.] 


157 


CIRCE 


v 

The  same  as  the  first  scene  of  the  play.  The  Front  of  the 
Palace  in  the  afternoon.  The  porch  and  its  steps  are  already 
in  the  shade.  The  curtain  rising  discovers  THERMIA  seated 
upon  one  of  the  lower  steps  thoughtfully  regarding  the 
fountain,  which  plays  faintly.  Enter  MYRTO  upon  the  porch 
from  within. 

MYRTO 

[Taking  her  seat  upon  a  step]  Yes,  there  is  shade 
here  now  ;  Circe  will  come  soon. 

THERMIA 

I  know  not  why  I  feel  so  anxious,  Myrto, — wonder 
ing  what  communication  you  can  have  to 
make  while  Ulysses  and  his  men  are  away  at 
the  lading  of  their  vessel. 

MYRTO 

Now  pray,  Thermia,  if  what  I  shall  say  to  Circe 
startle  you  in  some  degree,  restrain  yourself 
and  show  not  perturbation.  Circe,  as  you 
well  know,  likes  not  hasty  suggestion  in  what 
concerns  her  deeply. 

THERMIA 
'T  is  true ;  I  will  be  prudent.  O,  what  can  it  be? 

[  158  ] 


QTHE     SECOND     ACT 


MYRTO 
Wait ;  here  she  comes  now. 

[CiRCE  entering  descends  the  stairs  to  a  seat  just 
within  the  lengthening  shadow  by  the  fountain.  She 
ivears  her  canary-colored  tunic,  but  not  the  black  robe.] 

CIRCE 

[Turning    toward    the    stairs]    Myrto !    Thermia ! 
Where  is  Philinna? 

MYRTO 
She  sleeps,  my  lady. 

CIRCE 

Sleeps  still?  'T  is  past  midday  more  than  two  hours  ! 
Philinna  is  wont  to  sleep  soundly,  but  not  long. 

MYRTO 

She  will  sleep  long  this  time,  Circe  :  Philinna  will 
not  wake  to-day. 

CIRCE 

[Starting  to  her  feet]  What !  Not  wake  to-day?  Dost 
thou  trifle  with  me,  girl? 


CIRCE 


MYRTO 

Indeed  I  do  not  trifle  with  you.  But  fear  not,  dear 
lady  ;  there  has  been  mischief,  but  harm  will 
not  come  to  Philinna. 

CIRCE 

Mischief — mischief?  Methinks  I  divine  somewhat. 
But  speak  ;  explain  thyself  forthwith  ! 

MYRTO 

They  have  given  her  the  sleeping-plant  which  last 
night  they  gathered  under  the  moon. 

THERMIA 

[To  herself]  Ah,  I  see  niy  precious  Xenias'  finger 
here  ;  the  traitor  ! 

CIRCE 

0  !  O  !  Audacious,  shameless  souls  ! 

With  my  own  drugs  would  they  outwit  me?  O  ! 

1  see  !  I  see  !  Thus  they  will  steal  Philinna. 

But  holy  Diana  !  [Laughing  scornfully]  So  sly,  and 

yet  so  simple  ! 
They  were  twice  foil'd,ere  such  a  plot  could  prosper. 

[160] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


MYRTO 

Truly  there  needs  small  skill  to  circumvent  them  : 
Such  I  have  summon'd. 

CIRCE 

But  the  herb? 

MYRTO 

I  show'd  them. 

CIRCE 
What?  Myrto,  Myrto  ! 

MYRTO 

Stay  ;  hear  me,  Circe. 

Their  plan  I  knew  beforehand  ;  and  't  was  better 
She  knew  it  not ;  should  rather  sleep  ;  nor  wake 
Till  the  whole  farce  were  play'd — seest  thou,  my 
lady? 

CIRCE 

O  clever  Myrto  !  Not  in  vain  thou  sittest 
Demurely  by  thy  wheel,  as  if  its  hum 
And  spinster's  sordid  finger-work  were  all 
Thy  wits  could  compass  ! — thou,  the  nixie-born  ; 
With  newts  and  water-beetles  nurtured  ! — But  how 
Came  it  to  light? 

[161] 


CIRCE 


MYRTO 

They  came  to  me, 

To  find  for  them  the  herb.  The  tale  they  told, 
How,  when  the  ship  had  sail'd,  among  themselves 
Some  sport  they  would  devise.  But  Graea  already 
Had  overheard  their  whisperings  and  advised  me. 

THERMIA 
Graea  is  everywhere  and  hears  all  things  ! 

CIRCE 
Hush,  Thermia  ! 

MYRTO 

Because  she  hath  no  tongue  they  do  forget 
Her  sharpen'd  ears. — Safely  Philinna  sleeps  ; 
And  to  your  side  shall  she  be  brought  to-night 
During  the  banquet. 

CIRCE 
Ah  !  ah  ! 

THERMIA 

And  will  they  dare,  finding  her  not, 
To  wait  for  such  an  issue? 

[162] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


CIRCE 

Whither  pray 

Might  they  seek  refuge? — Two  alone  are  guilty  ; 
And  two  alone  shall  answer  for  the  guilt ; 
Nor  shall  the  feast  be  marr'd.  Go  now  ; 
And  urge  its  preparation. 

[The  two  nymphs  go  into  the  palace.] 

CIRCE 

Poor  purblind  men  ! 

O,  how  short  of  the  mark  their  vision  falls  ! 

Phantoms,  bred  of  precipitate  desire, 

Aiming  to  grasp,  but  comprehending  not 

The  check  and  natural  limit. — So  the  same 

At  whose  achievement  we  should  rave,  in  failure 

We  pity  and  forgive.  Ay  ;  to  know  more 

And  to  see  farther  than  for  themselves  they  see 

Doth  make  forbearance  easy.   How  would  they 

change 

For  sweet  Philinna's  rainbow-guarded  sleep 
Their  own  long  slumber  in  the  fishy  deep  ! 

[She  ascends  the  steps  and  goes  into  the  palace.] 


163) 


CIRCE 


VI 

The  banquet-hall  late  at  night.  The  feasting  is  near  its  end 
and  the  wine  has  begun  to  be  poured  at  the  farewell  enter 
tainment  given  by  CIRCE  to  her  guests  in  the  last  hours 
before  they  set  sail.  The  Enchantress  sits  at  the  head  of  her 
table,  wearing  her  black  robe  and  coronal  of  pearls.  THERMIA 
and  MYRTO  are  in  their  usual  places  ;  but  PHILINNA  is  absent 
and  the  throne  at  CIRCE'S  left  has  been  removed.  ULYSSES 
sits  at  the  head  of  the  table  by  the  dais.  His  demeanor  is 
serious ;  but  the  men  though  orderly  are  in  high  spirits  as 
they  join  in  the  chorus,  with  the  exception  of  PHILEMON  and 
XENIAS,  who  seem  pre-occupied,  seated  together  near  the 
exit  behind  ULYSSES.  EURYLOCHUS  is  so  placed  as  to  face 
MYRTO  at  her  wheel.  The  first  chorus  following  is  sung  before 
the  rise  of  the  curtain. 

(Chorus  of  men's  voices  behind  the  scenes) 

Never  fear  for  your  ship  if  you  handle  her  right ; 
She  will  scamper  all  day  and  eats  nothing  at  night. 
Stick  her  nose  in  the  sand,  she  is  safe  in  the  stall ; 
She  's  a  carriage  and  horses  and  stable  and  all. 

[Curtain  rises] 


164] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


GLAUCUS 
[Sings]   We  sampled  his  cheeses  and  bunk'd  in  his 

den, 

But  when  he  came  home  he  ate  six  of  our  men. — 
"  People  don't  come  a-foot  when  they  come  to 

see  me  : 
Now  where  did  you  leave  the  old  frigate?  "  cried  he. 

(Chorus) 

GLAUCUS 

It  was  a  big  pickle,  we  forged  a  big  lie  : 
"  A  thunderbolt  struck  her,  Sir  Cyclops,"  said  I ; 
(  Tore  a  hole  in  her  timbers  as  wide  as  a  door  ; 
She  sank  to  the  bottom  and  we  swam  ashore." 

(Chorus) 

GLAUCUS 
So  we  punch'd  out  his  eye  with  a  stake  while  he 

snored, 

Then  broke  for  the  landing  and  scrambled  aboard. — 
His  rock  was  a  load  for  a  twenty-mule  team  : 
"  Heave  hard  there  "  !  I  shouted ;  "  heave  hard, 
Polypheme  !  " 

(Chorus) 

[165] 


CIRCE 


GLAUCUS 

First  time  he  shot  high ;  and  the  swashing  great 

wave 

Sent  her  back  on  a  dance  to  the  mouth  of  his  cave. 
His  second  fell  short :  't  was  a  booster  behind 
And  scooted  her  for'ard,  quite  well  to  our  mind. 

(Chorus) 

Never  fear  for  your  ship  if  you  handle  her  right ; 
She  will  scamper  all  day  and  eats  nothing  at  night. 
Stick  her  nose  in  the  sand,  she  is  safe  in  the  stall ; 
She  's  a  carriage  and  horses  and  stable  and  all. 

CIRCE 

Our  friend  Glaucus  would  usurp  the  role  of  his 
captain,  apparently,  when  he  celebrates  that 
famous  scene,  Ulysses. 

ULYSSES 

And  right  welcome  is  he  to  any  glory  he  may 
borrow  therefrom.  Verily  there  was  little 
enough  for  me  to  boast  of  in  the  adventure. 


[  166 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


GLAUCUS 

It 's  true  the  commander  got  us  into  the  scrape, 
madam,  if  he  will  allow  me ;  but  there  would 
need  a  longer  song  than  any  we  have  sung  yet 
to  tell  the  whole  story,  how  cleverly  he  got  us 
out  of  it. 

THERON 

Damme  !  a  great  song  !  Not  a  word  about  the 
tipple  that  did  it  all ! 

ELPENOR 
And  the  sheep-ride  too. 

A  VOICE 

Ay,  ay  ! — 't  was  the  tipple  that  did  for  him.  Let 
the  old  sinner  play  blind-man's  buff  with  his 
bell-wether  now  ! 

ULYSSES 
Enough  ! 

Now  the  cry  homeward  and  the  forward  glance 
Shall  banish  retrospect.  These  claim  our  care. 
Fair  winds  suffice  not ; 

Nor  the  good  hopes  by  gracious  friends  inspired, 
Where  prudent  counsel  fails. 

[1671 


CIRCE 

MMMMMMi 

CIRCE 

Most  timely  said  ! 

Experience  ends  not  with  each  wondrous  hap. 
Ye  know  not  yet,  good  men,  your  several  fates 
Cradled  beyond  my  island's  guardian  pale. 
Obedience  and  true  caution  shall  avail  you 
Not  less  because  your  course  be  pointed  clear. 
These  save  while  they  endure. — 
But  now  our  ancient  welcome  is  exchanged 
For  farewell  greetings.  Nor  indeed  comes  song 
Amiss  at  such  an  hour. 

[She  claps  her  hands  twice  and  THRATTIS  enters  with 
her  lute,  standing  by  the  sideboard.  While  the  attention 
of  all  is  thus  drawn  away  MYRTO  gives  the  sign  to 
EURYLOCHUS,  who  slips  out  unobserved.] 


CIRCE 

Our  guests  have  just  sung  a  gay  song  in  honor  of 
their  ship,  Thrattis.  Perchance  thou  canst 
match  it  with  one  from  thine  own  store. 

[THRATTIS  smiles  faintly  and  begins  a  slow  prelude 
upon  her  instrument  in  a  minor  key.] 

[168] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


ELPENOR 
She  knows  how  to  make  it  cry. 

THERON 
Hush,  boy  ;  mar  not  the  music  ! 

[The  girl  sings  slowly  with  irregular  pauses  and 
interludes  at  significant  points  in  the  recital.  The 
music  itself  is  marked  by  chromatic  changes,  with 
the  last  two  stanzas  taking  on  distinctly  the  character 
of  a  funeral  march.  Before  that  part  of  the  performance 
is  reached  PHILEMON  and  XENIAS,  taking  advantage 
of  the  rapt  attention  of  the  company,  steal  out 
unnoticed.] 

THRATTIS 

Sea-wind  o'er  the  ripples  crept ; 
His  cool  breath  my  temples  swept ; 
Sea-wind  whisper'd,  as  I  slept 

Near  to  the  wave. 
From  his  caverns,  hollow-toned, 
Sea- wind  mock'd  my  dream  and  moan'd. 
In  my  sleep  I  turn'd  and  groan'd 

As  in  the  grave. 


CIRCE 


Through  lank  grasses,  swaying  slow, 
Peering  with  green  eyes  a-glow 
Sea-wind  stole  and  mutter'd  low  : 

'  Wake  not !  sleep  on, 
If  my  vision  thou  wouldst  share  : — 
The  split  mast ;  the  lightning's  glare  ; 
Shrouds  whirl'd  wildly  in  mid-air  ! 

See  !  her  helm  gone. 
The  vessel  plunges.  Lo  !  again 
Caught  by  the  deadly  hurricane, 
Crackling  bolt  and  hissing  rain, 

The  hull  spins  round  ; 
Breaks,  sinks  !  One  man  breasts  the  tide  ; 
Clutches  spar  and  climbs  astride  ; 
A  sea-courser  seems  to  ride. — 

Vague  depths  profound 
With  white  feet  the  others  tread  ; 
Seek  on  ocean's  floor  their  bed  ; 
Or,  to  rude  shores  blindly  led, 

Full  nigh  they  draw  ; 
Ram-like,  butt  the  flinty  stones. 
The  gray  sea  a  dirge  intones, 
Whilst  the  fat  casing  of  their  bones 

Dumb  fishes  gnaw." 


170] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


ULYSSES 

[After  a  pause,  when  the  chords  struck  in  conclusion 
of  the  song  have  ceased  to  sound] 

The  maid  hath  not  sailed  the  south  seas  in  vain, 
upon  my  soul,  Circe  ! 

GLAUCUS 

By  the  twin  gods,  ye  would  think  she  came  straight 
from  Davy  Jones'  locker,  let  out  alive  ! 

CIRCE 

'T  is  a  brief  step  from  life  to  death  :  why  then 
Shall  not  the  venturous  errant  fancy  feign  it 
Thrice  taken  and  retraced?  From  death  to  life 
Were  as  from  sleep  to  waking ;  nor,  if  dreams 
Might  linger  on  the  skirts  of  such  a  change, 
Should  they  unheeded  pass.— 

The  words  of  CIRCE  are  interrupted  by  the  entrance  at  the 
Right  rear  doorway  of  EURYLOCHUS  and  GRAEA  bearing  the 
rustic  couch  upon  which  the  form  of  PHILINNA  is  extended 
as  upon  a  bier.  As  they  enter,  GRAEA,  who  sustains  the  rear 
end  at  the  head  of  the  sleeper,  swings  to  her  right  backward 
and  the  two  bearers  set  the  couch  and  its  burden  down  by 
CIRCE'S  side  in  full  view  of  the  company.  EURYLOCHUS 
quickly  resumes  his  seat  among  the  men,  while  the  swine- 

[1711 


n  CIRCE 

maiden,  wearing  her  long  whip  coiled  as  a  girdle  round  her 
waist,  retires  to  a  position  near  the  lute-girl,  where  the  two 
remain  standing  side  by  side.  Mikkos,  who  had  sprung  into 
the  room  close  behind  the  bearers,  is  seized  by  MYRTO  and 
tied  fast  with  shortened  chain  to  the  spokes  of  her  wheel. 
The  form  and  features  of  PHILINNA  are  motionless  as  in 
death.  She  is  clothed  in  her  gauzy  dress  of  noonday.  The 
banqueters  in  profound  silence  gaze  with  horror  at  the 
apparition.  CIRCE,  laying  hand  upon  her  wand,  faces  her 
guests  steadily  with  a  trace  of  irony  in  her  look,  while  a  few 
notes  of  solemn  music  fall  from  the  lute  of  THRATTIS. 

ULYSSES 

[Half  rising  from  his  chair  with  gesture  of  inquiry 
and  deprecation] 

What!— Circe?  Thy  Philinna?— is  this  death? 
Forbid  it,  ye  kind  gods  ! 

CIRCE 

Philinna? — or  Philinna's  shade? 

Ask  thine  own  followers,  great  commander  ;  ask 

Pale  Hecate's  twin  votaries  ! 

ULYSSES 
[Who  has  risen  to  his  feet  and  scanning  the  company 

[1721 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


perceives  for  the  first  time  that  not  all  his  men  are 
present] 

Ha  !  what?  Philemon?  Xenias? — where? 

EURYLOCHUS 

[Saluting]  They  encountered  us,  sir,  as  we  ascended 
hither  bearing  the  sleeping  maid.  They  were 
on  their  way  to  seize  her,  but  when  they  saw 
themselves  cheated  of  their  prey  they  cried 
out  and  fled  incontinently  to  the  woods. 

ULYSSES 

Great  Zeus !  no  flight  shall  save  them !  Up, 
Eurylochus ! 

[With  a  stern  gesture  of  command] 

Take  Glaucus  and  three  others  of  your  watch ;  go 
forth  ;  seek  out,  arrest  the  caitiffs  !  Put  them 
in  irons  and  wait  for  us  on  board  ! 

[EURYLOCHUS  and  GLAUCUS  stand  up,  several  other 
men  spring  to  their  feet  as  volunteers.  Mikkos  exhibits 
excitement,  and  GRAEA  slowly  uncoils  the  whip  from 
her  waist.  THERMIA  turns  pale  and  cannot  conceal 
her  agitation.} 

H73] 


CIRCE 


CIRCE 

[Lifting  her  wand  gently]    Hold,  Ulysses  !    Hold  ! 
Refrain ;  bend  not  thy  thoughts  to  chains 
Or  cruel  punishment.  Are  they  not  even  now 
By  failure  and  humiliation  scourged? 

ULYSSES 

[To  whom  EURYLOCHUS  and  GLAUCUS  are  looking 
expectantly] 

Never  !  Never ! 

The  door  behind  the  dais  opens,  a  golden  light  fills  the  pas 
sage-way  thus  revealed,  and  MERCURY,  brilliantly  arrayed  as 
in  the  second  scene  of  the  play,  stands  forth  upon  the  plat 
form.  His  step  gives  no  sound ;  and,  as  he  extends  his  hands 
(one  holding  the  winged  wand)  gently  forward  over  the 
company,  all  the  men  feel  the  soothing  influence  without 
turning  their  heads  to  observe  its  source ;  while  ULYSSES, 
and  the  others  who  stand,  sink  quietly  to  their  seats  in 
motionless  attitude.  ULYSSES  slightly  bows  his  head.  The 
inmates  of  the  palace  are  not  affected  like  the  guests ;  they 
maintain  their  former  demeanor ;  but  CIRCE  lowers  her 
hand  with  the  wand  to  the  table  before  her. 


174] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


MERCURY 

By  the  Father  sent 

I  come  this  time,  to  loose  the  tangled  web 
Of  crossing  motive,  Circe,  in  thy  bowers. 
He  in  the  scales  of  fate  the  fortunes  weigh'd 
Of  these  thy  mortal  visitors  all,  thine  own, 
Of  thy  beloved  nymphs  ;  and  bade  me  speed, 
Taking  my  wand,  wherewith  for  woe  or  weal 
I  seal  men's  eyes  and,  when  I  will,  unseal. 

The  offending  youths — already  are  they 
Themselves  in  closer  toils  of  slumber  caught 
Than  the  charm'd  herb  upon  the  maiden  brought. 
At  my  behest  their  living  phantoms  glide  ; 
Upward  or  downward  their  blind  steps  I  guide. 

[Without  turning,  the  god  raises  his  wand  gently 
with  backward  movement  of  the  hands,  and  in  the  wide 
opening  behind  him  the  forms  of  PHILEMON  and 
XENIAS  appear,  standing  side  by  side.  Their  eyes 
are  closed;  their  features  pallid  in  the  weird  light; 
their  look  is  of  complete  unconsciousness.  THRATTIS 
strikes  major  chords.] 

Their  fault  the  Father  pardons  ;  and  decrees 
They  shall  be  toss'd  no  more  on  billowy  seas, 

[175] 


CIRCE 


But  to  their  lives'  end  tread  the  enchanted  soil 
Which  of  its  bloom  they  plotted  to  despoil. 

[MERCURY  sways  the  wand  slowly  from  behind  for 
ward,  and  the  two  sleepers  (PHILEMON  first,  XENIAS 
close  behind  him)  guided  by  the  spell  pass  across  the 
dais,  gliding  down  behind  the  banqueters  until  they 
reach  a  position  between  THERMIA  and  PHILINNA'S 
couch.  Their  footsteps  give  no  sound  ;  their  movement 
is  mechanical ;  in  the  place  indicated  they  stand  stiff 
and  motionless  with  closed  eyes.} 

MERCURY 
Arise,  Ulysses  ! 

[ULYSSES  stands  up;  and  simultaneously  his  men  all 
rise  silently  to  their  feet] 

Now  thy  waiting  bark 
Swims  in  the  darkling  haven  ;  but  full  soon 
Eos  her  saffron  portals  will  unbar 
And  wake  the  convoy  breezes.  Tarry  not ! — 
Thy  crew  the  Father's  stern  assignments  claim  ; 
I  sign  them  to  march,  FORWARD  !  in  his  name. 

[The  funeral  march  which  closed  the  song  O/THRAT- 
TIS  is  played  softly,  and  the  men  pass  out  behind 
MERCURY  in  single  file,  moving  noiselessly  and  with 

[176] 


THE     SECOND     ACT 


the  utmost  precision,  as  if  under  the  hypnotizing  in 
fluence  of  the  wand  waved  above  them.  The  company  of 
ETJRYLOCHUS  marches  first,  headed  by  their  leader 
and  GLAUCUS,  THERON  and  ELPENOR  bringing  up 
the  rear.  The  other  company,  excepting  PHILEMON 
and  XENIAS,  immediately  follows.  ULYSSES,  who 
has  donned  his  helmet,  begins  to  speak  as  the  last 
man  passes  and  the  music  ceases.} 

ULYSSES 

To  gloom  of  future  fates  beholden  fast, 

The  parting  hour  yet  beckons  toward  the  past. 

What  blessings  lay  beneath  rapt  moments  hidden 

Now  to  the  pictured  memory  rise  unbidden ; 

Each,  as  with  pointed  stylus'  steely  smart, 

Prick'd  and  deep  graven  on  the  shrinking  heart.— 

Farewell !  O  sorceress  benign,  farewell ! 

He  knows  not  life,  who  knows  not  CIRCE'S  spell. 

[ULYSSES  turns  and  goes  out.  The  music  begins  again 
in  the  major  key.  MERCURY,  poised  upon  one  foot 
in  an  attitude  similar  to  that  presented  by  a  familiar 
statue  of  the  god,  leans  far  forward  with  wand  pointed 
straight  at  the  sleepers.  PHILINNA  opens  her  eyes  and 
slowly  rises  to  a  sitting  posture  on  her  couch.  PHILE- 

[1771 


CIRCE 


MON  and  XENIAS  open  their  eyes  and  draw  long 
breaths.  PHILINNA,  turning  first  toward  CIRCE,  with 
one  hand  clasps  the  left  hand  of  the  Enchantress;  then, 
with  the  other,  recognizing  PHILEMON,  takes  his  right. 
THERMIA,  when  XENIAS  wakes,  seizes  his  left  hand 
with  her  own,  and  with  a  joyous  look  lays  her  right 
upon  his  shoulder.  The  two  youths  have  themselves 
joined  hands.  MYRTO  seated,  whom  Mikkos  strives 
to  reach,  holds  him  firmly  at  arm's  length  by  the 
collar.  GRAEA,  standing  beside  THRATTIS,  whip  in 
hand,  glares  fiercely  at  the  exit. 

The  countenance  of  CIRCE  is  deeply  sad.  Her  wand 
lies  relinquished  upon  the  table.  She  continues  to 
gaze,  as  if  into  vague  distance,  in  the  direction  of  her 
departed  guest.] 

CURTAIN 


178] 


BERKELEY   and   UKIAH 
CALIFORNIA 

1907-1910 


YC   16768 


